The Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity’s annual Veterans Build is a heartfelt community tradition that brings together veterans, active-duty military personnel, students, civic organizations, and local businesses to support those who have served our country. Each year, this initiative focuses on building or repairing homes for local veterans in need, ensuring they have safe, affordable, and dignified places to live. The 2025 Veterans Build is particularly special, as it honors one of Habitat’s own—Army veteran and longtime volunteer, Ms. Phyllis McCroskey.
Ms. McCroskey served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1993, achieving the rank of Sergeant (E-5). Her military career included two tours in Honduras during the 1980s, as well as assignments in Hanau, Germany, and right here at Fort Bragg. In addition to her military service, Phyllis represented the Army as a basketball player, merging her lifelong passion for the sport with her dedication to service. She fondly describes herself as a “career student,” having studied at both Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville Technical Community College, and she continues to nurture her love of learning through gardening, volunteerism, and community engagement.
For more than two years, Phyllis has been a faithful volunteer with the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, lending her time and skills to numerous Veteran and Women Build events, as well as general construction and painting projects. She’s also a familiar face at the Habitat ReStore, where her support continues to make a difference. After lending countless hours to help other veterans, Phyllis was encouraged by fellow volunteers during the 2024 Veterans Build to apply for home repair assistance through Habitat. Nearly two years later, that encouragement has come full circle—she is now the deserving recipient of the 2025 Veterans Build…