by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
Northeast Florida Builders Association President Jerry Linder committed his year at the top of the organization to be focused on veterans because of their special housing needs.
To coincide with Linder’s mission, Builder’s Care — the charity arm of NEFBA — is naming its project to expand the United Service Organization’s Military Welcome Center at the Jacksonville International Airport, the “president’s project.”
“These are real heroes who have paid the ultimate price so we can enjoy the freedom we have. We have to find a way as an association to help veterans,” said Linder, when he took the position earlier this year.
Bill Wilson, executive director of Builders Care, said this was just the kind of project that brings Linder’s message home.
“It’s the right thing to do,” said Wilson. “We’re more than helping grandmas and kids. There’s lots we do for nonprofits. If we can do a little construction, we enable the USO to continue its mission and ministry.”
Located on the first floor of the airport terminal near baggage claim, the area serves as a “last taste of home,” according to K.C. McCarthy, executive director of the Greater Jacksonville USO.
Two years ago on Veterans Day, an airport space was established for soldiers, but before it even opened, McCarthy said the organization had already outgrown the 300 square-foot space.
Builder’s Care is stepping in to make it 800 square feet, with the ability to accommodate at least 24 military personnel. The total project is estimated to cost $50,000-$60,000, and that includes furnishings, equipment and computers.
Haskell Company designed the layout of the area, Judith Sisler-Johnston designed the interior of the facility and many members of the USO will help Builder’s Care with the project.
It’s the military men and women that actually do much of the work done through Builder’s Care.
“We just provide the sticks and bricks and the military provides the labor,” said Wilson.
“The USO has provided for Builder’s Care for years,” said McCarthy. “Part of our mission is giving back to the community. We facilitate military volunteerism because Builder’s Care is one of the primary outlets for us to do that.”