Volunteers from the TECO Veterans Alliance (TVA) and Tampa Electric’s Lighting team joined forces with Habitat for Humanity last Friday to help improve the quality of life for a World War II veteran.
“I was at a recent gathering, and someone said Habitat for Humanity could use our help,” said Terry Hogate, Lighting Design and Operations Supervisor. “As I explained the project, more and more team members jumped on board.”
From painting to landscaping, volunteers did it all as more than a dozen team members spent hours in the summer heat. Not only did this outreach project beautify the property, but it also brought joy to the heart of a World War II veteran.
“We would have been happy to assist anyone, but World War II veterans are the pinnacle of what all veterans strive to be,” said Hogate. “As a newbie to the area, I couldn’t think of a better way to get involved.”
Hogate recently moved to Tampa from Smyrna, Delaware, with his wife and two small children. One of the first things the 10-year Navy veteran did when he started at TECO was join the TVA employee resource group.
"Joining the TVA immediately allowed me to create a deep connection with peers,” said Hogate. “We may all have different backgrounds, but it was so refreshing to surround myself with like-minded people.”
That like-mindedness, along with TECO’s desire to give back to our community, helped Habitat for Humanity inch closer to their mission of creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
“Our customers keep the lights on for us as a company, the least we can do is provide a much-needed spark in return,” said Hogate.
