Col. Tom Reiter (USAF Ret.) and Billy Patterson were recognized recently by Habitat for Humanity of Hall County with the organization's Golden Hammer Award.
According to a Habitat news release, the men were chosen for this year's award "due to their long-standing and unwavering service to Habitat as a volunteer and staff member respectively."
“Years ago, I had a brief exposure to Habitat in my corporate life and remembered what a positive experience it was. I just started volunteering,” said Col. Reiter. Since volunteering with Habitat, he has assisted in building 19 homes for the Hall County community as well as serving two terms on the Habitat Board of Directors and has accumulated over 2,515 hours of volunteer service. He hopes being recognized as the Volunteer of the Year will inspire other people to get involved.
“It is his dedication and care for every homeowner that is his true gift to Habitat,” said Alison McElvery, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Hall County.
Employee of the Year and co-manager of the Habitat ReStore, Billy Patterson, enjoys working alongside future Habitat Homeowners working their sweat equity hours. Seeing the difference that an organization like Habitat for Humanity has on the community is what drives him to continue working at Habitat.
“He has so many traits of a great leader,” said McElvery, “he always says, ‘we can do that’ and sets a great example.” He is glad to be able to have a voice in the community and was happy to be recognized with the award.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Hall County visit www.habitathallcounty.org
