Wahiawa, HAWAII (June 8, 2018)— Members of the 147th Civil Engineering Squadron, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, TX, deployed to build homes as part of an Innovative Readiness Training project June 2, 2018, at Helemano Plantation, Wahiawa, Hawaii.
The IRT program produces mission-ready forces through military training opportunities that provide key services for American communities. It also allows the military to strengthen and build new partnerships with populations throughout the United States.
“The IRT program provides a unique opportunity for military members to receive real world modern construction training in a joint environment,” said Master Sgt. Mitchell Sisco, the IRT Helemano Plantation non-commissioned officer in charge. “Participating members are able to practice their unique perishable skills here at the plantation and are able to deliver a tangible product to a deserving community partner at the end of their rotation.”
During a two-month period, four military units will rotate every two weeks. The IRT goal is to produce two new buildings for the Helemano Plantation built by members of the 147th CES and other service members.
The Helemano Plantation began 38 years ago with a vision to create a place for
intellectually disabled individuals to belong. They currently house approximately 40 residents with profound to moderate intellectual disabilities. The homes also accommodate caregivers and relievers who care for these individuals daily.
The goal of Helemano Plantation is to provide these individuals, their families and caregivers a safe and secure community where they can live as one big ohana(family). The plantation also serves more than 100 individuals with mental and physical disabilities in their various programs on a daily basis.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a community to care for people with special needs. Individuals with intellectual disabilities will never grow up but they will grow old,” said Susanna Cheung, the President and Founder of Helemano Plantation. “This community provides a place of belonging for all our residents and allows them to have a stable and uplifting community, so we are very thankful for the IRT program and the military members involved for pouring hours of hard work into these new houses for our people.”
The 147th CES consists of 51 individuals working on the IRT project at the Helemano Plantation. Each member brings a different specialty to the group that allows them to work effectively.
“We’re happy to have this opportunity for our Airmen to engage in multi-skill crafts and accomplish the goals for our community partner, Helemano Plantation,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Mott, the commander of 147th CES. “Not only do we have the chance to train our Airmen in their trade, but the energy level and desire to get the job done is so much higher because we know that all the hard work put into the final product will benefit those in need and that they truly appreciate what we can do.”
The 147th CES work rotation is scheduled to last from June 2 -June 15. 147th CES members have worked relentlessly and continue to meet deadlines during their annual training here in Wahiawa, Hawaii.