Fairlawn Ohio Native Builds Deck, Amenities on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan

Photo By Sgt. Garett Hernandez | Spc. Aaron Starr (left), Sgt. Jeremiah Forbes (center) and Pfc. Donald Lindhe (right), all Soldiers serving with the 447th Military Police Company, stand on the deck outside the Camp Sabalu-Harrison USO they helped construct for the Service members of Task Force Protector.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

06.15.2010

Story by Capt. Thomas Cieslak 

16th Military Police Brigade

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of Task Force Protector have a new place to unwind thanks to Soldiers from the 447th Military Police Company.

To compliment the newly established Camp Sabalu-Harrison USO, a new deck was built for Service members to enjoy.

Sgt. Jeremiah Forbes, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Specialist for the 447th Military Police Company, worked for two and a half days to complete the deck.

Forbes operates a roofing and siding company when he is not deployed. A carpenter by trade, he had his wife mail his specialized tools so he could begin building comforts for his fellow Soldiers. Forbes’ wife continues to support his efforts by sending him saw blades and drill bits.

Forbes not only built the deck on the USO tent but has also built sheds, tables, desks and benches, all located around Camp Sabalu-Harrison for the benefit of Task Force Protector’s Service members.

At first, Forbes started making smaller items out of scrap wood. Finding that his carpentry skills helped him pass the time, Forbes continued increasing the scope of his projects.

Forbes is currently working on a deck for the Camp Sabalu-Harrison Chapel.

“It helps the time go by faster for me and it helps everybody out,” Forbes said regarding his efforts to improve the living conditions for Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen stationed on Bagram Airfield.

On large projects, Forbes receives help from fellow Soldiers serving in the 447th Military Police Company. Pfc. Donald Linhe and Spc. Aaron Starr help Forbes with the construction projects around the camp.

“Anything that will make it more comfortable for Soldiers out here,” said the native of Fairlawn, Ohio.

• Date Taken: 06.15.2010
• Date Posted: 06.15.2010 02:03
• Story ID: 51390
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF