As about 40 soldiers assigned to the 42nd Military Police Brigade, the rain increased in its intensity.

“No matter, it’s good to be out of the office,” said Capt. Dan Naab, the brigade’s information operations officer.

“It’s also a nice way for us to thank the community which supports us.”

Nabb and the soldiers accompanying him had volunteered to work in the Town of Steilacoom in observance of Make a Difference Day.

The time spent working is the most encompassing national day of helping others – a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors.

Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make a Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October.

In 2008, over three million individuals volunteered to work in their communities, accomplishing thousands of projects in hundreds of towns and cities across the country.

Closer to home, hundreds of Fort Lewis soldiers volunteered to work on more than 10 local community projects ranging from a Habitat for Humanity building site in Olympia to general maintenance and clean-up at Fort Steilacoom Park.

Specific to the 42 MP Brigade, the soldiers worked to expand a running trail, replace and extend the railing on a walking bridge and clean out a ravine on the corner of 5th and Wallace Street.

“We call this site the ‘5th Street Wallace Park,” commented Naab as the rain continued to fall.

Fort Lewis units are partnered with local municipalities to increase interaction between the military and local communities through the Fort Lewis Community Connections Program.

According to Naab, Steilacoom and the 42nd MP Brigade have a close connection.

“This town gives a lot to us when we deploy and redeploy,” said Naab. 

“Today, we are giving something back.”

Within minutes, half a dozen soldiers had removed the bridge railing and begun to replace it while others began the task of spreading gravel to improve the running trail.

Working along side the soldiers were members of Steilacoom’s Department of Public Works.

“It goes without saying that if you tell soldiers you want something done, they will get it done,” commented Capt. Jennifer Morris, as she shoveled gravel. 

“Even in the rain, it’s great to be able to give back to a community that has been so good to us.”