'Hammering for Heroes' will honor military, first responders

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, will never be forgotten, and an upcoming build event by Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity will continue to honor and memorialize those who lost their lives as well as those who continue to serve in the military and as first responders.

Habitat's "Hammering for Heroes" build will honor and memorialize heroes of 9/11. The build is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Habitat's Hopeview Estates subdivision in Spindale.

"This build is not about how much work we can accomplish, but more about community awareness," said Habitat Volunteer Bob Bourne. "We want people to leave with a sense of awareness and a focus on the fact that our military has prevented another tragedy of that magnitude now for 14 years."

Bourne has been a Habitat volunteer for 12 years. Prior to moving to Rutherford County, he served as a fighter pilot and then as a space launch engineer in the Air Force. Following retirement from the military and then Lockheed Martin, he and his wife moved to Rutherford County. He learned of Habitat for Humanity while attending a men's breakfast through his church.

"Now I'm the one at men's breakfast sharing the mission of Habitat," he laughed.

Teams will work not only on the three Habitat homes under construction in Hopeview Estates, but will also provide needed repair on the homes of several veterans in the area.

"One home we will work on is the home of a widow of a veteran. We will be building a brand new porch and ramp to help her to get out of her house safely," Bourne said. "We have another vet in an electric wheelchair who can't currently get outside onto his front porch. We will work on the doorway so that he can get outside."

Before work begins, the event will start with a program with all branches of the military represented, said Kim Freeman, Habitat executive director. Representatives from local police and fire departments and emergency medical personnel will also be honored, and colors will be presented by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. In His Glory will present the National Anthem and the Rev. Tim Marsh, a Habitat board member and pastor of First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton, will speak about the tragedy of 9/11 and have a time of prayer.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities during the event, Bourne said.

"We're accustomed to having people who can't drive a screw, and there is always something that can be carried or painting to be done," he said.

And, there are activities for all age groups, Freeman said. Children ages 5 to 10 will be doing crafts and making greeting cards for deployed troops. Elementary teachers from Harris Elementary will help with activities and lead a discussion about 9/11 and the importance of the historic day. Those ages 11 to 15 will be doing yard work for local seniors in the community surrounding Hopeview Estates. Ages 16 and older will work on one of the projects for veterans or on the construction sites. The Women Roofers will also be on hand undertaking a repair project.

For information on volunteering opportunities at Rutherford Habitat for Humanity, call 828-248-3178 or visit rutherfordhfh.org.