Courtesy Photo | Suriname Army Sgt. Vikash Boedhai and Sgt. Jeffery Dalen, both with the Suriname...... read more read more
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Soldiers with the 155th Engineer Company, South Dakota Army National Guard, and the Suriname Defense Force, Paramaribo, Suriname, partnered to rebuild a Mickelson Trail bridge, near Deadwood, June 15.
Soldiers worked together to hone their skills while repairing the bridge to improve the infrastructure of the trail and benefit the local community.
“It helps out the state of South Dakota,” said Staff Sgt. David Remme, 155th bridge project manager. “The materials are paid for, we do the labor and it helps with the upkeep of the Mickelson Trail.”
The Mickelson Trail is a historic trail that runs from Deadwood to Edgemont, spanning 109 miles through the Black Hills. In 1998, the trail was converted from an old railroad to the gravel path it is now, providing access to recreational activities.
“The best way to improve our carpentry skills is by getting hands-on experience,” said Spc. Kyle Blackbear, vertical engineer with 155th. “This exercise provides that opportunity.”
Soldiers worked with allied forces to remove old and unsafe decking materials, railings and unwanted gravel from the bridge. Together, they dismantled down to the structural beams and railroad ties before reconstructing the bridge.
“The Suriname soldiers are carpenters, are very knowledgeable and are hard workers,” said Remme.
Soldiers used heavy as well as hand-held equipment to maneuver materials to the location. It will take a projected 800 to 1,000 man-hours to complete this project during the Golden Coyote training exercise.
“We like to do projects that get us out in the community while also benefiting the state of South Dakota,” said Remme. “It is great training for Soldiers and they take pride in knowing that the completed project will be around for many years.”
The Mickelson Trail bridge is one of many engineer projects that take place during the Golden Coyote training exercise. These projects help identify hazardous areas and service members work to make them safer through repair and maintenance for public use.
| Date Taken: | 06.20.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.20.2018 12:57 |
| Story ID: | 281650 |
| Location: | DEADWOOD, SOUTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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