Ian Lowe – Housing the homeless through a humanitarian mission

Executive Director of Pi Lambda Phi, Ian Lowe (Baldwin Wallace) proudly serves in the Air Force Reserve, and at times his unit is called upon to provide humanitarian support for citizens in need. In August, Lowe’s unit participated in a joint mission with the Air National Guard and US Army to build homes for the homeless in a rural part of Western Hawaii. 

Watch the news coverage on Hawaii News Now

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/08/02/village-encampment-starts-building-farm-village-waianae-valley

An Air Force of Service

It’s not widely known that providing humanitarian relief in the United States and around the world is an essential part of the mission of the Air Force. 

Ian said, “It’s good practice for us to prepare, but it’s really fulfilling to help those in need.”

Ian was the officer in charge of supporting logistical needs, like coordinating travel, processing, food operations, lodging, and daily travel to work sites for all those who came in from Civil Engineering.

The Mission

These types of missions serve multiple purposes for the Air Force. Ian said, “Although it’s in Hawaii, which is nice, we stay in what is called ‘field conditions,’ to simulate either a disaster area or a deployment location.”

“These are very long days. We’re staying in tent-like structures, and we’re cooking meals from a mobile kitchen trailer so we get experience in disaster relief missions on little notice. Relief missions also launch on little notice. We have to be prepared to mobilize quickly and effectively.”

“It’s a challenge and a good opportunity for our troops to train in preparation for using it in a disaster. Building the tiny homes helps our units practice going somewhere quickly and building structures.”

The spirit of charity and giving back

Lowe has been in the Air Force Reserve for over 20 years dating back to his early college days. He chose the Reserve instead of Active Duty service because he wanted to serve the country while continuing his education and then while also serving our Fraternity on the IHQ staff. He said:

“One of the key lessons I learned early into my time in the service was having a greater appreciation for this country and for all the sacrifices made by those who came before me so that you and I can reap the benefits of today.”

I’m fortunate for the life I have had, so I feel compelled to give back. I’ve learned and taken so much away from my time in the Air Force that continuing to raise my hand to serve all these years seems like the right thing to do. Opportunities to help those in need — like the homeless population we built homes for — not only seemed right, but also fulfilled me.

I encourage all our alumni members to think about what really has made a difference in their life and then find a way to volunteer or to give back so that others can benefit the way that you did!”