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CE comes together to improve quality of life

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristina Overton
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Emergency management, structures, heavy repair and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning.)

These are a few of many sections that play integral roles on Osan Air Base, separately completing tasks that all fall under the flagship of the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron. For the majority of their duties, the different shops don't have many opportunities to work together, but on Aug. 15, more than 80 Airmen throughout the 51st CES came together to improve the quality of life of their members residing on base.

Seventy-five Airmen completed various projects to include painting, landscaping, interior refurbishing, rescreening windows, power washing, cleaning and basic repairs at Bldg. 1349. Another 15 Airmen worked at Bldg. 386, ensuring vacant rooms were move-in ready, and also doing upgrades to the exterior of the dorm.

"Basically we're trying to improve the quality of life of our Airmen by attacking the worst dorms first, just like the extreme makeover home edition," said Master Sgt. Terry Namkung, 51st CES unaccompanied housing chief. "With budget cuts, we don't always have the money to contract maintenance or renovate a lot of the projects in the dorms. By doing the work ourselves, we're setting the example and taking care of these issues in house."

The initiative instilled a sense of accomplishment, pride and ownership in the Airmen, leaving the CE dorms in better condition for future residents. For the Bldg. 1349 dorm manager, Staff Sgt. Jeremy Lala, he hopes the newer renovations will boost the morale of residents in their 'home away from home.'

"It was amazing seeing everyone come together to work and accomplish this," said Lala. "It makes us proud, and it's a better feeling coming home when it's clean and so much has gone into making it a nicer place to live."

The day of renovating ended with a burger burn for all those who participated at Bldg. 641. Though focused on primarily CES dorms, the hope is that the incentive will spread to the rest of the base to improve and maintain dorm standards.

"This is important because QOL is important," Namkung said. "It's the first impression you get when you walk into a dormitory, and it makes a difference in your overall experience. I think this is a great team and squadron opportunity to build camaraderie, and being able to do this was really the icing on the cake."