Photo By Capt. Steven Lewis | Reserve Airmen from the 512th Civil Engineer Squadron took part in an Innovative...... read more read more
A team of electricians, structural specialists, heavy equipment operators and surveyors stepped foot on an aging fairground in Norwich, New York, in July ready to take on a major summer project.
Before its gates could be opened to the public this August, reservists from the 512th Civil Engineer Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, had a mission to fulfill: complete a handful of construction and infrastructure projects that would greatly improve an aging fairgrounds in Norwich, New York, for years to come.
The Airmen joined reserve units from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, as part of the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training program. The IRT program provides opportunities for Active, Guard, and Reserve service members across all military branches to take on community service projects while preparing them for real-world contingencies.
“The focus of the IRT program is to make the training as realistic as possible in a contingency environment with the safety of being stateside,” said Chief Master Sgt. Todd Jones, Air Force Reserve Command IRT civil engineer planner. “It’s one of the best avenues for Airmen.”
Since the late 1800s, the Chenango County fairgrounds has entertained families with harness races, local farmers showing off prize livestock and traveling vendors operating rides and games.
Over the years, its facilities and public spaces have needed maintenance. The weathered façade of the grandstand is long overdue for repairs. A cramped office space, barely large enough for two people, lacks modern amenities. There’s limited power and access to running water for vendors.
Due to budget constraints and narrow resources, upgrades and repairs have been a slow process in the past. But through the IRT program, the Chenango County Agricultural Society had an opportunity to submit their service projects for military support. Once approval was given by the Pentagon, the agricultural society could finally obtain the help it needed.
“We were eternally grateful that we were eligible for this program,” said Mary Weidman, Chenango County clerk and Agricultural Society president. “We’re a small fair, and our budget doesn’t normally include doing these types of infrastructure improvements.”
With the necessary plans in place, the 512th CES Airmen were put to task the moment they entered the fairgrounds. Over the next two weeks, they fulfilled duties such as completing the construction of a modernized office for fairground staff, expanding power throughout the property and installing the necessary components for increased water usage.
“This biggest benefit we get as a team is the pride of being here as a unit,” said Master Sgt. Ivan Fullerton, 512th CES facilities systems superintendent. “The impact we have on this local community makes a big difference, and you can see it when members come out here to do the work. It’s something they take to heart and something they’ll leave here for years to come.”
For Tech. Sgt. David Mainor, 512th CES engineering assistant, helping to complete the Chenango County fairground projects was reminiscent of his upbringing.
“Coming from an underprivileged neighborhood, to help a community out is fulfilling and rewarding,” said Mainor. “Overall, once they get a hold of this, they’ll benefit from it.”
Since May, various Air Force Reserve civil engineer units have rotated through the fairgrounds in an effort to complete the projects the Chenango County submitted to the IRT program. The 512th CES were among the last of the squadrons to wrap up the summer’s duties before the annual fair in August.
“It’s going to be wonderful to have proper lighting and the office for the fair, said Weidman. “I think when the public sees this, it’s going to be a surprise what we’ve been able to accomplish with the services this summer.”
Communities interested in submitting projects for IRT program consideration can begin the process by visiting www.irt.defense.gov. Applications are selected based on military training needs and value.
| Date Taken: | 07.19.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 07.28.2016 15:16 |
| Story ID: | 205360 |
| Location: | NORWICH, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 83 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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