178th lends helping hand

GULFPORT, Miss. -- More than 35 members of the 178th Fighter Wing helped rebuild a home Feb. 6 while deployed to the near Biloxi, Miss.
The effort was part of an ongoing Hope Community Development Agency project for families in need.
"When we come to an area like this, that was hard hit by Hurricane Katrina, we like to pitch in where we can," said Master Sgt. Tim Doohen, the deployment first sergeant.
The house that the 178th members assisted with had a variety of needed improvements. Some of the required improvements included a porch-roof repair, kitchen cabinet installation, and flooring and ceiling repair.
Organized by the Airman NCO Council, this was a group effort, and there were a diverse team of Guardsmen and Dutch servicemembers that helped.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast line of Louisiana and Mississippi. Five years later, residents are still feeling the effects of this catastrophic event. The mission of the Hope CDA is to support the individuals, families, small businesses, and neighborhoods of East Biloxi, Miss., as they rebuild their community in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, as stated by the organization.
"The generosity of the people in this unit never ceases to amaze me. That is my favorite thing about being a member of the 178th," said Sergeant Doohen.