CBMU 303 builds homes for Navajo families

GALLUP, NM, UNITED STATES

05.04.2012

Courtesy Story

Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303

By Chief Builder Kimberly Gibson
Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303

GALLUP, N.M. - Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303 deploy to New Mexico executing an Innovative Readiness Training mission in support of the Southwest Indian Foundation, utilizing their construction skills for the benefit of the Navajo Nation.

On April 21, 2012, Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 303 deployed a task-tailored team of 20 active duty and reserve component Seabees from four permanent Detachment sites to Window Rock, Ariz. in support of the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program. The IRT program utilizes Department of Defense funding to provide the Services and Service components "hands-on" readiness training opportunities, while at the same time, providing a direct and lasting benefit to local communities throughout the United States our communities. During this particular IRT mission, the CBMU 303 detail worked in partnership with NMCB 25 and the Southwest Indian Foundation (SWIF) to build homes for Navajo Nation families in need. Although military men and women have been supporting the SWIF project for years, CBMU 303 is the first active duty NCF unit to participate in official DoD sponsored IRT work in just over a decade. The IRT program oversight and management is staffed by Navy Reserve and Air National Guard personnel.

This joint mission provides unique training opportunities for both the active duty and reserve Seabees. Working side-by-side with reserve component Seabees who work in the civilian construction industry and the SWIF manufacturing staff helps improve rating skills and build confidence. Working on a Seabee construction project can be a unique experience for the reserves as well. When asked about the work, reserve component Seabee Construction Electrician 1st Class Joseph Macdougall said: “actually doing construction work is good experience and good training. On our drill weekends, we do a lot of administrative work. Working with guys who do this all the time is great for us”. Active and reserve component Seabees alike are honing their interior and exterior finishing skills and placing foundations for pre-manufactured homes waiting to be delivered. The project scope includes light frame construction, interior wiring, plumbing, drywall, siding, and roofing activities.

Of the 350,000 Navajo people, roughly half live on the Navajo Reservation near Gallup, N.M. There is no major industry and the unemployment rate is 45-65 percent. Many Navajo have moved away from the reservation to find work; many more are solely dependent on tribal, state, and federal government programs. The Southwest Indian Foundation (SWIF) works in partnership with the Navajo Housing Authority to produce manufactured homes, which are donated to Navajo people who are handicapped, elderly, infirmed, or are families with dependent children. The modest, 768 square foot homes are offered to people who may never have a home otherwise. To qualify for one of these homes, the family must have either a home-site lease from the Navajo Housing Authority or a residential lease from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, they must report their annual income, and they must provide both archaeological and environmental clearances.

A major milestone was accomplished when the Seabees broke ground on the site of the 200th home. It is the first home that will be built on-site rather than in the factory, but the significance goes beyond the number 200. By being able to build on-site, SWIF can expand their service area from a 60-mile radius to a 100-mile radius, which will enable them to reach many more people. When asked what the impact of our participation was, Director of Projects Office for the Southwest Indian Foundation, Mr. Joseph Esparza, said: “You are a vital part of our mission. We have committed to build 90 homes in the next three years and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the help of the military and the IRT.”

While Department of Defense support to SWIF is ongoing, CBMU 303 contributions conclude with the two weeks ending Friday the May 4. The mission has been wildly popular with the Seabees selected to participate. Builder 2nd Class Walter Degracia remarks, “it’s good to be here, the Navajo people have a need for the skills we can provide. I am happy to be a part of this mission” of his assignment.

• Date Taken: 05.04.2012
• Date Posted: 05.04.2012 20:23
• Story ID: 87937
• Location: GALLUP, NM, US