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Paving project win-win for Grissom

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Doug Hays
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Some might say there aren't many true win-win scenarios in life, but for one group of Grissom Airman, that's exactly the type of situation in which they found themselves.

Airmen from the 434th Civil Engineer Squadron received vital training and improved the base as they expanded a patio and corrected a stagnant water situation during training here Aug 5.

The 12-day project, took place on the south side of Bldg. 595, between the entrances of the 434th Maintenance Group command section and the Base Exchange.

Affectionately refered to as 'the Dirt Boys,' the 434th CES Airmen formed and poured 21 cubic yards of concrete during the project and installed about 120 linear feet of storm sewer pipe with the assistance of a 434th CES utilities craftsman.

The five-man crew ranged in experience from six months in the career field to 16 years.

Senior Master Sgt. Nate Colborn, 434th CES structural superintendent, outlined a plan to train the young troops.

With three concrete pours needed to complete the project, he guided them through the first two, teaching and instructing, and for the final pour he remained off-site for them to do it themselves.

"It was pretty gratifying," Colburn said of the job they did on the final pour. "To top it off, a water valve broke on the truck and the last load of concrete delivered was very wet. But they adapted and overcame that."

While all concrete is delivered with a specific water ratio, there are different levels of slump depending upon the application, explained Senior Airman Alex Barone, 434th CES pavements and contruction equipment apprentice.

"This was extremely wet, and you have to work that differently," Barone said. "You can't keep working it or you will make it worse. You have to show patience, let it harden and then work it."

Basically, you have to stay cool, calm and collected, he added.

For Colborn seeing the transition the Airmen made during the project was satisfying.

"It was a win-win," he said. "The base benefited, but so did we."The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the globe in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer