In 1996, then-Staff Sergeant Gordon Storey was assigned to lead a volunteer program at Dyess Air Force Base, despite having no experience in home repairs. The goal was to assist local residents, especially the elderly, by painting and repairing their homes. Over the years, this initiative grew into a nonprofit organization called the Dyess We Care Team, which, with the help of around 15,000 volunteers, has completed hundreds of projects around Abilene, Texas.
Storey, who grew up in a military family, knows firsthand the isolation that can come with military life. After joining the Air Force in 1986, he struggled with feelings of loneliness and uncertainty, especially when he was stationed away from home. He found a sense of purpose and community by participating in weekend service projects, which he called his “lifeline.”
Recognizing the positive impact these activities had on morale, Storey proposed a formal volunteer program that would allow airmen to give back to the community while building camaraderie. The program not only helped improve the mental health of participants by reducing feelings of isolation but also gave them leadership opportunities and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Dyess We Care Team now handles 30 to 45 projects each year, with volunteers from both the military base and the local community working together to make homes safer and more comfortable for residents in need. Storey, now retired from active duty and working as a social worker, continues to lead the organization, drawing pride from the friendships and connections it fosters.
Through his efforts, Storey has shown how a simple act of service can transform lives—not just for those receiving help but also for those giving it. His hope is that other military bases will be inspired to create similar programs, proving that anyone with a desire to help can make a meaningful difference.
Leave a Reply