Photo By Todd Pruden | Sgt. Shawn O'Hare, a safety noncommissioned officer for Task Force Northstar and...... read more read more
CHALCHUAPA, El Salvador – U.S. service members here are stepping out of their comfort zone to lend a helping had for those in need.
Soldiers with a variety of different trades are helping build a new three-room schoolhouse in Chalchuapa as part of Task Force Northstar during Beyond the Horizon 2015.
Now in the brick and mortar phase of the construction process, these reserve soldiers are learning a new skill during their two-week annual training.
“It is way beyond what I normally do,” said Spc. Samuel Rector-Saldana, a medical logistics specialist with the 362nd Medical Logistics Company out of Sacramento, California. “I normally do medical logistics, which is transporting, shipping, ordering and receiving of medical and non-medical supplies.”
These new-to-masonry soldiers have been learning how to lay and set block, as well as smooth out the mortar, or cement, between the blocks.
“Yesterday, I was setting a wall, building the bathrooms with them, putting concrete along the walls,” said Rector-Saldana. “Today, I am striking their joints so that they are nice and smooth.”
Rector-Saldana said the reason he is lending a hand goes farther than simply learning something new.
“I am supposed to be driving, and I came out here to try to learn some things and to help them out,” said Rector-Saldana. “I mean, building a school, building a bathroom at a place like this, it was something I would be proud to do.”
Those who are aiding with the project are learning a skill they have never done before. They said the experience and knowledge they are gaining is something they would never have dreamed of doing, and it is hard work.
“I like it; I’m actually enjoying it. I was hesitant about coming down. I’m actually glad I’m doing it. It’s fun doing something out of the ordinary and different,” said Spc. Paula Olson, an electrician with the 492nd Engineer Company out of Mankato, Minnesota. “This is a lot more physical. I’m used to a lot more mental. That’s the difference.”
Rector-Saldana said that while he may be new to learning the trade, the leadership and those experienced with laying block are there to teach him the proper techniques.
“Everyone, the enlisted, the sergeants, the officers, they are all teaching me as I go,” said Rector-Saldana. “I am asking them where they need me to be. They teach me and I just do it.”
Rector-Saldana went on to say that he hopes the skills he is learning during BTH 15 will carry over into his regular life and wants the experience to add to his current skill sets.
“I like to consider myself well-rounded,” Rector-Saldana said. “If I am not out there learning, I can’t call myself well-rounded. So, I get involved with everything that I can. Being involved with multiple things and being able to do different things; it opens up doors for myself and gives me something productive to be proud of.”
Spc. Claudia Gomez, a plumber with the 492nd Engineer Company, said she is doing her part to benefit the children of El Salvador.
“It will be payoff because the kids are right here [in another building] next to us. They’re going to have a new school,” Gomez said. “It feels good to be able to know that you are helping a community.”
Rector-Saldana agreed.
“I’m giving back and I’m helping the less fortunate,” Rector-Saldana said. “I am doing something that makes me proud to be in the Army and proud to be a soldier.”
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.02.2015 19:56 |
| Story ID: | 162076 |
| Location: | CHALCHUAPA, SV |
| Hometown: | MANKATO, MN, US |
| Hometown: | ONALASKA, WI, US |
| Hometown: | RICHMOND, MO, US |
| Hometown: | SACRAMENTO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 154 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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