In 1996, Master Sergeant Gordon Storey received a clear directive: establish a volunteer program at Dyess Air Force Base.
The mission was to paint and repair homes for local residents, but as a young staff sergeant, he felt unprepared for such a responsibility. “You’re putting me in charge of home renovations, and I don’t even know how to fix things!” he recalled, feeling overwhelmed.
Fast forward over two decades, and Storey’s nonprofit, the Dyess We Care Team, has mobilized nearly 15,000 volunteers, completing hundreds of projects for the elderly and others in need around Abilene, Texas. The team has accumulated almost 100,000 volunteer hours, benefiting both the community and the airmen involved.
“A lot of these young airmen are separated from their families and friends,” Storey explained. “Military life can be a huge adjustment.” He understands this challenge intimately; raised in a military family, Storey joined the Air Force in 1986 and initially questioned his decision after being stationed in Tucson, Arizona, far from home.
In his early days, Storey found himself performing monotonous office tasks in a windowless building. It was the weekends spent on community service projects that provided him with purpose—what he called his “life preserver.”
“Engaging with the community is crucial for airmen’s mental health,” Storey said. “The military has long struggled with suicide rates, and fostering social connections can help mitigate that isolation.”
A Mission to Alleviate Military Stress
Years later, as a staff sergeant in the Air Force Equal Opportunity division, Storey analyzed wellness surveys and discovered that many airmen felt unhappy and unfulfilled, often turning to alcohol to cope. This insight prompted him to propose a volunteer program focused on helping those in need with minor home repairs. The initiative took off, boosting morale as more airmen participated.
“These projects allow airmen to collaborate and build camaraderie,” he noted. “The finished homes are just a bonus.” Storey has since empowered enthusiastic airmen to take leadership roles in the projects, planning and coordinating efforts well in advance. “They learn valuable leadership skills and become better assets for the military,” he said. “For those who find their passion, it enriches their Air Force experience.”
A Community Effort
Today, the Dyess We Care Team receives around 10 to 15 requests monthly, primarily from elderly residents or those facing financial hardships. One such request came from Carole Morton, who, wheelchair-bound and caring for her husband with dementia, needed help painting her home’s trim. “On my Social Security check, I couldn’t afford to hire anyone,” she said, worried that her home would deteriorate.
After visiting her home, Storey identified additional repairs needed to create a safer living environment. With the help of local contractors and volunteers, the team expanded the scope of work.
“We’re fortunate to have community professionals who assist with tasks like constructing wheelchair ramps,” Storey shared. “This support enables us to tackle more than just painting projects.”
With around 200 volunteers from both the base and the community, they spent a month repairing and painting Morton’s home. “It’s different when people are doing it out of kindness,” Morton remarked. “Their excitement and joy make the experience special.”
Lasting Impact
On average, the We Care Team organizes nearly 500 volunteers for 30 to 45 projects each year. Now retired from active duty, Storey works full-time as a social worker while continuing his commitment to the organization and community.
“What I’m most proud of is witnessing the friendships and connections formed between people who would have never met otherwise,” Storey said. “I hope other bases can see what we’ve accomplished and think, ‘If that bald retiree can do it, we can too.’”