Photo By Master Sgt. Michael Stewart | Airmen from the 141st Air Refueling Wing pose for a group photo while building the...... read more read more
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Airmen from the 141st Air Refueling Wing participated in Innovative Readiness Training helping to build the Blackfeet Nation Senior and Cultural Center in Heart Butte, Montana in August. The 141st Civil Engineer Squadron along with Airmen from the Force Support Squadron and the Medical Group spent two weeks on the project. Their rotation was the fifth of seven military rotations comprised of Air Force and Army National Guard Units.
The IRT program allows Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard units the opportunity to train and serve in the local community along with strengthening and building partnerships. It leverages community resources and military capabilities to produce mission-ready forces, strengthen partnerships with local communities.
“Every year civil engineer squadrons have to accomplish two weeks of training,” said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Eversole, 122d Fighter Wing and site superintendent. “This program allows us to accomplish that and help our communities.”
The current senior center on the reservation is “old, dilapidated and run down,” said Eversole.
The new center will consist of a cultural center which will be a tremendous asset to the Blackfeet community for generations to come.
“The elders have been trying to get the younger generations into learning about their heritage,” said Eversole.
Despite being the fifth rotation, the 141st CES team encountered a delayed project when they arrived in Montana.
“They have been involved with activities they weren’t supposed to do; like under-slab plumbing, installing the sewer main and pouring concrete,” said Barry Campbell, Whispering Ridge Contractor.
The CES team did not miss a beat. All of the members, regardless of Air Force Specialty Code, pulled together to get the job done.
“Everything is new, it has been an awesome experience learning new skills like framing and concrete,” said Airman Connor Gilbert, 141st Civil Engineer Squadron Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning apprentice. “We get to jump on heavy equipment we don’t generally get to use.”
In addition to critical AFSC training, the IRT program also provides the opportunity for Airmen to develop their leadership skills in a real and supervised environment.
“These projects give our airmen real-world job experience,” said Chief Master Sgt. Caleb Guthimiller, 141st Civil Engineer Squadron superintendent. “This is the youngest CE has been on a build and everyone is working hard and jumping in.”
On this project, Staff Sgt. Waylon Dashiell, 141st Civil Engineer Squadron engineering assistant served as the project manager.
“I plan the goals for the day, track down if someone needs something and complete daily reports,” he said. “This is my first-time taking charge, it has helped me get to know people better;”
Sergeant Waylon is a land surveyor for his civilian occupation and drafting and maintaining base maps in his military position. This project has broadened his skillset. “I have never worked with concrete,” he said.
The Airmen from Civil Engineering were not the only ones who had an opportunity to broaden their skills on the build. The Airmen from the 141st Medical Group also contributed in the concrete and framing work.
“This TDY has been very different, being a medic my whole career, it has been really cool to see another career field up close,” said Tech. Sgt. Summer Welch, 141st Medical Group. “I am from Montana so this is especially meaningful because I know how much these resources are needed.”
Upon completion of the rotations, a civilian contractor is scheduled to wrap up the project, estimated to be complete in January 2023.
“This group has really come through on taking care of everything,” said Campbell. “They are doing an excellent job.”
The consensus from the Airmen on the build was one of pride and accomplishment.
“I get to see our giving back to the community and how what we do benefits them when we leave-knowing they will put it to good use,” said Senior Master Sgt. Don Parlow, 141st Civil Engineer Squadron operations.
In fiscal year 2022, the National Guard expects to complete 37 projects in 19 states and territories.
| Date Taken: | 08.27.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.05.2022 10:07 |
| Story ID: | 429792 |
| Location: | HEART BUTTE, MONTANA, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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