Wichita, Kansas News, Weather, Sports - Salina students paint deployed soldier's house

Salina resident William Cookson recently started painting his house. But before he could finish the job orders came in for Cookson to deploy to Kuwait with his Kansas Army National Guard unit.

The Military Affairs Council at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce got word of the unfinished paint job. So folks with the chamber contacted instructors in the Diesel Technology Program at the Salina Area Technical College to get their help.

Diesel Instructor Mike Parker said all 40 of their students volunteered to help paint. Parker said, "We're just trying to come out here and help somebody in the community that needs help."

Vice President of Instruction, Stephani Johns-Hines said this volunteer work also helps prepare students for life after school. She said, "We want them to have professional skills, soft skills, time management skills, but also to become contributing members of society in community engagement ways."

Student Austin Workman said, "Not a lot of us college students got a lot of money, but we do have a lot of time. So, this is the easiest way and the most thoughtful way of giving back."

Salina businesses donated paint and equipment for the job.