Roger Anderson was around when Aiken County Habitat for Humanity built its 50th house in 2004, and he's looking forward to being part of the construction of the 100th later this year.
"It's a big milestone for us; there is going to be a big celebration with a lot of pomp and circumstance," said Anderson, who joined Aiken County Habitat's team soon after moving here in 1997.
Before his retirement, Anderson, 75, lived in Annapolis, Maryland. As a vice president for the Gilbane Building Co., he was in charge of construction projects that cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and he also was a Habitat for Humanity volunteer.
Anderson wanted to continue his involvement with Habitat, so making sure there was an active chapter nearby was a priority in planning where to settle down after his career ended.
"I started as just one of the volunteers in Aiken, but then I got to be very close to Robert Girardeau, who is the construction coordinator (for Aiken County Habitat)," Anderson said. "He saw what I could do, and I went from being a nail pounder to being one of the supervisors. My background in construction wasn't residential, but I'm a quick learner."
Anderson has been an Aiken County Habitat vice president, and he currently serves as the chairman of the nonprofit's building committee.
"I'm in the field nearly all of the time," Anderson said. "During a 52-week period, I probably worked anywhere from 35 to 40 Friday and Saturday shifts. I lay out where the foundation, partition walls and trusses for a house will go, and I make sure that a house is being constructed properly so it's within the building code."
Anderson also is available to help show the less-experienced Habitat volunteers to do such tasks as installing flooring and hanging doors.
"It's a commitment," Anderson said, "and I'm committed to it. It keeps my brain occupied, and it gets me out and moving around. Every house we do is a little bit different, so it's not just a rote thing, and I like that."
Anderson also enjoys being involved in an effort that provides people who need affordable housing with new homes.
"Seeing the smiles on the faces of the adults and kids because of a house that you've built is very satisfying," Anderson said.
For more information about Aiken County Habitat and its 100th Home Community Build Campaign, call 803-642-9295 or go online and visit www.habitat aiken.org.
DeDe Biles is a general assignment reporter.
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