Yes, I Can
Kay with a Habitat Veterans Group
Even though Kay Hallanger was raised in an Army family, she didn’t realize when she enlisted at the age of 19 how much a sense of duty and desire to serve would inform her life. In the past 50 years, Kay has been a high school teacher, an instructor at an Army base, a school curriculum consultant, an instructor at the military academy, an aid for the adjutant general, a National Guard recruiter, an ROTC instructor, the pastor of two churches and a steadfast volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of the Wisconsin River Area.
“It's about stepping up, not being afraid of new assignments, and a willingness to learn and grow in each one,” Kay said.
In every facet of her life, Kay has done more than simply step up. After volunteering as an adult Christian education instructor and filling in for pastors for many years, she recently accepted the call to serve as the pastor of two struggling local churches, even holding parking lot or curbside services, as COVID-19 has restricted in-person gatherings.
Kay, pictured in the middle, is the only woman at a Fort Knox ROTC summer camp in 1982.
It was through her church that Kay first learned about Habitat for Humanity, and she was inspired to join the faith relations and volunteer committee at her local affiliate.
“I had participated in some builds and saw the effect on families — especially children — to have their own home,” Kay said. “Plus, I’m a great admirer of Jimmy Carter.”
Much like her professional life, Kay’s volunteerism has seen her to take on a number of roles. She has helped on 36 home builds, planned and participated in many groundbreaking and home dedication ceremonies, and actively recruited volunteers from her church and other local businesses. She even makes sure everyone is fed, providing treats for volunteer appreciation events.
Since she began her work with Habitat, Kay has provided support for more than 350 volunteers who have given more than 31,000 hours of labor to Habitat’s mission, and she looks forward to continuing to help those in need.
“I had that same attitude in many of the positions I've held in an unplanned career,” Kay said. “Some opportunities may seem a little daunting at first, but if those challenges were not overcome, we wouldn't have Habitat. Be open to opportunities.”
“It’s about stepping up, not being afraid of new assignments, and a willingness to learn and grow in each one.
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