307th CES Builds Homes in Navajo Nation

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt Nathaniel Spraggins
  • 307th CES
Gallup, New Mexico --  Barksdale Civil Engineers performed an enduring mission of outreach, building homes for the Navajo Tribe of Gallup, New Mexico, in July 2015.  A team of 22 Reservists from the 307th Civil Engineers Squadron (CES) expanded their vision of community outreach over the course of their two week annual tour deployment, by assisting the Southwest Indian Foundation (SWIF) in building homes for the most needy of the local Gallup Navajo Tribe. 

SWIF is making efforts to improve the quality of life for the Navajo people while maintaining their cultural traditions.  So far SWIF has provided 247 homes from start to finish at no cost to these less fortunate families here.  The Air Force Reserves has contributed their labor and expertise to the cause. Air Force Civil Engineering Squadrons from all over the nation have sent Airmen to assist in the building of these homes to provide vital annual training for specialty skillsets. 

"The rich heritage of the Navajo people combined with selfless acts of service and patriotism make the community of Gallup unlike any other in the nation," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Wilhite, Project Manager for operations in Gallup. "This is a great opportunity for our Airmen to learn their trade while giving back to a grateful community."

The Airmen of the 307 CES received training on structures, electrical systems, utilities, and many other engineering disciplines while deployed here.  This annual tour provided quality training for all these disciplines and some Airmen found themselves tested in new ways. A group of electricians worked on building the foundation for one of these houses. The Airmen became a cohesive team creating a positive impact on this project.

"Their skill-specific training along with the real world teambuilding makes the squadron a better team as a whole."  Master Sergeant Billy Smith, an Electrical Superintendent, added, "This was an essential team-building exercise for the unit." 

The Airmen realized their deeds by the reinforcement of Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi Miyamura's testament from his 89 years of life experience on how their giving back to his community in need resulted in them becoming better Citizen Airmen.