Helping those that Self-Help

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nathan Clark
  • Altus Air Force Base Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (Jan. 5, 2017) -- --  Practically everything goes through normal wear-and-tear including the buildings we work in; thankfully, we have the ability and resources to keep our facilities in working order.

The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron Self-Help and Repair Program provides agencies on base with necessary materials for everyday up-keep.

“SHARP is a free program we have in 97th CES that allows the facility managers on base to take on small repairs and maintenance tasks in their facilities without needing to submit a workorder for help to come fix the issue,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Joey Marongelli, 97th CES operations engineering officer in charge.

These small repairs include repairing holes or cracks in walls, applying touchup paint, pesticides and weed control. SHARP also has yard tools available for checkout for tasks such as trimming hedges and raking leaves.

Although “self-help” isn’t a new concept, the program has recently been revitalized.

“In October 2016, the Air Force facilitated the change to SHARP in an effort to raise awareness of the service and to help save costs,” said Marongelli. “Previously we would stock all sorts of materials, but there wouldn’t be enough demand to use it all. Due to some items having a shelf life, they would end up in the trash.” By keeping high-use items in stock and not having to throw out unused, expired products, SHARP is able to be more efficient and save money.

Just because it’s not in stock, doesn’t mean an item is unavailable.

“If a customer does need one of those items with a shelf life, like paint, or we just don’t have it, they can fill out a request, give us a day or two and we can provide it for them,” said Marongelli. “We’re willing to work with everyone. If you have a potential project you can call and we will help figure out the best way to get it done, whether it’s through SHARP or having the CE guys take care of it.”

A prime example of SHARP aiding in projects around base, is the products it provided to the Airmen that renovated the main gate guard shack in August 2016. Lodging also took advantage of the program when sealing and caulking windows and doorways earlier in 2016.

“Our main goal is to get the word out there and that we are here to help,” said Marongelli. “We have the ability to help people maintain their buildings and keep them looking nice. This preventative maintenance will keep small problems from getting bigger resulting in the need to make a request for major repairs.”

SHARP’s new hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., located in building 358 and can be contacted by calling 481-7641.

“This program not only simplifies repairs for the facility manager, but it should help instill a sense of pride in your facility,” said Marongelli. “As you walk down the hallway you may notice a crack in the wall and you can help fix it. You can be proud of that and have the satisfaction of taking care of something you and your co-workers use every day.”