Tarmac Online

By Timothy Stoeber ’26

On the night of January 20th, 2026, 15 Flyers, led by Fr. Garrett Long, S.M. ’62 and Mr. Peter Vanderberg, gathered at Meribah Retreat House to begin their two-day mission as carpenters for Habitat for Humanity, the global, non-profit organization that provides housing for families in need.

Upon arriving at Meribah, Fr. Garrett spoke about Habitat for Humanity’s purpose and history, along with Chaminade’s long-standing relationship with the non-profit. Fr. Garrett showed a home movie of himself as a five-year-old, and his family building his childhood home in nearby Floral Park. Fr. Garrett then celebrated Mass in the Meribah Chapel, followed by dinner and conversation centering on our job at hand.

The next morning’s frigid temperatures and icy conditions did not dampen our spirits as we boarded the bus bound for Bellport. Once there, we listened to the requisite safety instructions and began our work, which was supervised by professionals. Our main job was to nail on hurricane straps, which are now required on all new housing as a result of the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Flyer volunteers installed hundreds of them, from the foundation to just below the roof. Each strap was secured with approximately two dozen nails. Once secured, a strap is virtually impossible to break, as it takes over two tons of force to break just a single nail. Our other responsibility was to install interior floorboards. The next group of Flyers will help enclose the house by sealing it with drywall.

Fr. Garrett commended the group’s dedication, saying, “Our students did magnificent work on a Habitat house despite the weather being only seven degrees! I am always happy to share my carpenterial skills with others working to create affordable housing.”

Jack Reisert ’26 emphasized, “I am so grateful for the charitable opportunities provided by Chaminade that allow me to give back to others.”

Over 500 volunteers will end up working on this house, which is typical for all of the houses that Habitat for Humanity builds. Experts always handle the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. The house is expected to be finished in early spring, which will allow the owners, a family of three, to move in by the beginning of summer. Just next door is a finished home, also constructed by Habitat for Humanity, that was started in April and completed in November of 2025.

Seamus Cunnane ’26 reflected, “This retreat and service project allowed us not only to grow in our own faith by celebrating the Mass together and spending time as a community, but it also allowed us to put that faith into action for others in a very tangible way. We came together and gave our time and effort to contribute to building this house, allowing our work to be a witness to the great faith we profess.”