Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Gilbert Howard

Gilbert Howard, from Bronx, N.Y. is a member of Cedar 6 in NCCC’s Class 19. He arrived in Vinton on February 5, 2013, to start his 10-month service term on a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Cedar 6 is made up of nine people from across the country, and they are serving together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region throughout their term.

Gilbert chose to do a year of service partly because he was interested in disaster relief. Though disaster relief is only a possibility during NCCC, and not a guarantee, the idea of being able to help people holds a strong appeal for him.

Gilbert brings several skills with him to NCCC, which help him be successful in his role as a Corps Member. One of those skills is that he works well with other people.

Prior to NCCC, Gilbert was a student at Delaware Valley Job Corps. “It’s a place where I could learn a trade and get my GED or high school diploma,” he explained. He graduated from the program in January of 2013. After finishing the program, Gilbert hopes to either serve another year with NCCC or go to college.

Gilbert’s time at Delaware Valley Job Corps was a unique and changing experience for him. “I grew closer to God,” he said.

Cedar 6’s current project runs from May 3 to June 24 with Lutheran Disaster Response: North Dakota Flooding in Minot, N.D. Alongside Oak 3, Cedar 6 is conducting flood recovery work such as delivering materials, warehouse inventory and sanitizing and rebuilding of homes in response to more than 4,000 homes affected after the worst flood in the city’s history hit in June 2011.

Some fun facts about Gilbert:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Mama

Q: What is your favorite book? The Bible

Q: What is your favorite candy? Snickers, Twisters

Q: What is your favorite food? Fried chicken, baked mac and cheese

Q: What is your favorite animal? Cheetah

Q: Who is your favorite super hero? Xena the Warrior Princess

Q: What is one place in the world you really wish you could visit? Africa

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? I love to work out!