319th recruiter builds a better future for local family Published June 6, 2008 By Senior Master Sgt. Bob Barrett 319th Recruiting Squadron Portsmouth, N.H. -- A 319th Recruiting Squadron Officer Accessions recruiter lent his carpentry skills to other volunteers from the local community, building a new house for a cancer-battling mother of four in Old Town, Maine, May 18- 20. Master Sgt. Brian Cotter, an active duty Air Force recruiter out of Westbrook, Maine teamed with dozens of other volunteers to build a brand new house for Sonya Barclay and her family, who previously resided in a dilapidated mobile home. ""I mostly helped with framing the house and installing windows," he said. "To my knowledge, I was the only active duty military volunteer; although I think there were a few folks there who were retired or part of the local guard unit." When asked why volunteering was so important to him, Sergeant Cotter said it was the mother's dying wish to have a nice home for her husband and four children, so he and others wanted to help make that wish come true. According to a local news report on www.WABI.tv.com, contractors donated building supplies and expertise, while local families allowed volunteers to live in their homes and delivered sandwiches, cookies, and water during construction of the house. Teamwork helped ensure the family wouldn't have to wait much longer for her dream. "When I left (May 20) all interior framing was done, the roof was on, the doors were on, the siding was done, the insulation was done," Sergeant Cotter said. "All they needed was to have the rockers come in, do the sheetrock, mud tape and the interior painting, and whatnot." The new Barclay family home opened on Memorial Day, and with the help of a major local area newspaper and bank that have set up accounts for people who want to donate to the cause, volunteer assistance continues.