Base housing volunteers pitch in at Nuclear Museum

  • Published
  • By Ryan Stark
  • Nucleus writer
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Buckets of paint and yard tools were hauled into the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History early Friday morning as volunteers from Kirtland Family Housing began a day of volunteer labor.

Twenty-five volunteers -- all associated with Hunt Military Communities, the company that operates Kirtland's on-base housing -- joined a group of museum volunteers to work on tasks like re- painting wheelchair ramps and fire lane curbs, painting the base of the museum's Mace missile, removing weeds and trash, cleaning flower beds, watering plants and raking rocks.

Elise Thomasson, the marketing coordinator for Hunt Company's Kirtland Family Housing, said the volunteers were happy to help.

"Our job is to support those who serve, as well as help those who support those who serve," she said. "This museum does so much for the base community, and that makes it the perfect place for us to come and help out."

Paul Melendez, maintenance director for Kirtland Family Housing, echoed the sentiment.

"The teamwork aspect and giving back to the community makes this a great thing," he said. "This museum has close ties to the base and it's good that we can come and help."

The museum also benefits by developing the leadership skills of its own volunteers, according to Melissa Donahoo, the museum's volunteer manager.

"This is the first project we've done on this scale, and our volunteers are acting as supervisors," she said. "The base housing volunteers brought their own supplies and are obviously really happy to be here. I think it's the start of a great partnership."