From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli - to the streets of Carthage?
The famous Marine Corps hymn doesn't really say that, but the Marines are coming to Carthage this weekend to help conquer an enemy - the high price of housing.
According to Connie Mosbaugh, director of the Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity, 30 Marine Corps recruits from the area will be at 230 N. Maple St., to help build the first Habitat house in Carthage.
The home is being built for Lori Byrd and her five children.
"This is an opportunity for them (the Marine recruits) to participate in a community effort before they attend boot camp," Mosbaugh said. "This is the 26th house being built by the Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity during its 19 years."
Mosbaugh said the Marine recruits signed up for their service at the Joplin Marine Corps recruiting office.
Lunch is being provided by Bill Hood at the United Methodist Church. Culligan Bottled Water is providing water for the day's work.
She said the house they will help build is unusual for a Habitat house in that it has a full basement.
"We had to add that because it sits on a hillside," Mosbaugh said. "The basement will be unfinished, but it will give the family a safe place to go in case of a tornado. The house is 1,200 square feet, it has five bedrooms and two bathrooms."
When they sign up for a Habitat for Humanity house, the family receiving the house agrees to help build it or do volunteer work for Habitat as "sweat equity" in their home.
They also pay a more manageable mortgage payment.
"We're still trying to raise money for this house and others in Carthage," Mosbaugh said.
Anyone interested in donating to Habitat for Humanity can contact the Habitat office at 417-782-6533 or contact Debbie Ralston at Hometown Bank, 2435 Fairlawn Dr., Carthage. Her phone number is 417-359-2183.
