Camaraderie Strengthens 526th Engineering Company

IN, UNITED STATES

04.29.2021

Story by Spc. John Watson 

300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

The rain pours down on heaps of concrete and Soldiers clad in Hazmat-protective gear at the Muscatatuck Training Center, Ind. Their mission is tough yet vital- to survey the wreckage and locate notional casualties.
Pfc. Merhawi Lake acknowledges that the terrain and weather combine to make a challenging training scenario. However, Lake is quick to ensure that he and the other Soldiers of the 526th Engineering Company out of Fort Stewart, Ga., are well-equipped to handle these challenges.
“We have good leadership; they give us great training opportunities,” says Lake. “They listen to and value input from all ranks, and respect what we learn and bring from our training.”
As a horizontal construction engineer and as a member of the search and rescue team, Lake and his team members are tasked with being the first ones to survey affected areas on the ground. He scans the disaster area to gauge oxygen and radiation levels, ensuring that his team can safely operate within the wreckage and debris.
He further details that this is only the beginning of their responsibilities.
“We have our initial survey, but then we come back and refit [switch out our gear] then go back as rescue teams. After we give the rescue teams the initial picture of the situation, it’s time for our second responsibilities to begin,” he said.
While being responsible for multiple job roles in adverse conditions can seem daunting, Lake has highlighted their versatility and independence as a strength.
“We’ve been responsible for all aspects of rescue and decontamination [in previous training]. We’ve been able to be very self-sufficient previously, and that makes our jobs easier now at this training event,” said Lake.
Lake is quick to translate the importance of self-sufficiency into his own life as well. Joining the Army after high school was his way of taking responsibility for himself and building a better future, both professionally and personally.
Lake, originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, found great purpose and value in his Army service. Growing up in Oregon, Lake was no stranger to the importance of service as his grandfather served as a fighter pilot in the Air Force, and his community had a considerable number of service members as well. He always wanted to join growing up and is happy the opportunity presented itself.
For Lake, what he is able to learn and take away from his Army experience is one of the most rewarding aspects of it all.
“Going in, I knew I wanted a trade job, a job that would have a transferable skill into the civilian world, and that’s how I became an engineer,” he said.
The many benefits of Army service, including college tuition and personal/professional development, also contribute to his satisfaction with Army service.
Most importantly, and what he says brings him the most joy in the Army, is the sense of camaraderie and the friendships made along the way.
“Whether you’re having a horrible day… we’re soaked... it can be kind of a drag, but when you’re going through that, you’re going through this with friends,” said Lake. “The morale that comes with that, I love that. No matter what you’re doing…you’re embracing the grind together and I enjoy that the best.”

• Date Taken: 04.29.2021
• Date Posted: 05.02.2021 00:00
• Story ID: 395370
• Location: IN, US