CE projects reinforce upgrade training Published Jan. 17, 2008 By Senior Airman Ben Mota 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- For Air Force reservists, training is important to learn and maintain skills, but it is even more important when that training improves the structure of the base and saves money and time. Brig. Gen. Dean Despinoy, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander, has tasked the 434th Civil Engineer Squadron to complete three to four local projects a year that would benefit upgrade training for reservists. "We are looking for projects that will enhance the base while providing skill training for our members, but before we begin a project we must make sure that we have the personnel and equipment needed to complete it," said Senior Master Sgt. Chuck Gill, 434th CES operations superintendent. One project is the renovation of base supply pole barns 213 and 214, located outside the perimeter. The two 9,360 square-feet barns began their upgrade Oct. 9 and are expected to take approximately 60 days to complete. To control the climate in the buildings the civil engineers will be installing: weather stripping on all of the doors, nearly 13,000 square-feet of insulation, and gas operated forced heat, fans and dampers. These improvements are being made to allow storage of items that need a controlled temperature. New lighting fixtures will also be installed to provide improved lighting to the structures. "These projects give us a variety of opportunities to cross-train our personnel," said Tech Sgt. Dan Sharp, 434th CES project manager. "We are very diverse. If we can not get personnel from a required Air Force specialty code then we will cross-train people in other engineering AFSC's." It is not uncommon to see a civil engineer with a heating ventilation and air-conditioning specialty performing the job of an electrician or a plumber laying carpet in order to get the job completed. "Cross training allows our reservists the ability to complete a project without having to wait for someone else," said Sergeant Gill. "That is important to getting the job finished and it is an enhancement to the base because you have a better trained Airman." Another project in the making is the remodeling of Building 430. The completion of the new pass and identification building, outside the main gate, has left an empty area that can not be used until it is remodeled. The old site no longer needs the customer service window. The window has been removed and new carpet installed. In addition, the orderly room adjacent to the old pass and identification room has been partitioned off for the Office of Special Investigations by installing a new wall. This will provided the agents with offices and a briefing area. The new wall will require electrical outlets and the old ceiling tiles will have to be replaced to accompany the wall. The partitioned area will also need a heating source and the florescent lighting will be relocated to light both rooms. "It is easy to overlook the amount of work needed to complete a project, but cross training gives our Non-Commissioned Officer's the ability to look at a project as a whole and know what is needed to complete it," added Sergeant Gill.
