Altus Airmen volunteer to improve dormitories

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  32 Airmen volunteers on Altus Air Force Base gathered Sept. 3 to landscape the area around Dorm 331.

"I used to be a dorm resident in my early days and I always felt like the dorms were prison cells. No color, small rooms, and the building just seemed plain. The project is a step in the right direction on improving the quality of life and making the Airmen feel more at home," said Staff Sgt. David Barrios, a volunteer from the 97th Medical Group.

The Airmen removed debris from the grounds, shifted two truckloads of soil and sand, set 40 plants, placed an irrigation system to water and care for the work they'd done and more.

Members of the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron were key players, providing tools, materials, resource and manpower as well as expert advisors.

"They (CE) brought all the equipment, helped with the heavy lifting and with moving larger amounts of dirt to where it was needed," said Airman 1st Class Mary Ryan, a volunteer from 97th Mission Support Group.

"The CE "Dirt Boys" started out by removing all loose gravel and three to four inches of dirt from area. Dump truck operators brought in two truckloads of sand to form a solid base for the laying of landscaping bricks. We brought in new dirt and backfilled area in order for new grass to grow.

"My crew and I felt good about what we did to help the landscaping around Dorm 331 look good. I felt it built better relations with the personnel on Altus AFB and the "Dirt Boys"," said Senior Airman Bertus Nysignh from the 97th CES.

Members of the Air Force Sergeants Association provided lunch for the workers, as well as, some supplies.

"AFSA was there to motivate us and cook for us. I saw a retired member cooking and I felt I should give my all to this project." said Sergeant Barrios.

"The work that we accomplished on Sept. 3 is just the start of something great that dorm residents can take pride in doing. As a dorm resident, I felt the dorm landscaping was destroyed after the ice storm. The tree branches were brought down by heavy ice and the landscape turned to mud after the placement of generators. I feel what we did was just the start of something that we can improve and build upon," said Airman First Class Isaac Navarro, a dorm resident and volunteer from 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"A feeling of pride when you walk past the work you did. The 97 CES helped us out with providing the tools to make this happen. The AFSA supported our quality of life project by providing us with awesome food that everyone enjoyed. Everyone should know that there are opportunities to make things happen, this project was brought together with just a few Airman. If (you have) an idea don't be afraid to share it because you never know if your idea can make a huge impact," said Airman Navarro.