Reserve Airmen build homes, relationships

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Stephen Bailey
  • 301st Fighter Wing
FORT WORTH, Texas --  Texas is known for doing things right and for doing them BIG, so it was no surprise when a group of Texas Air Force Reservists got involved in a big Hawaii-style 'labor of love' honoring some of its most valued citizens. 

Twenty-two civil engineers from the 301st Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base Carswell Field, Texas, are the most recent reserve Airmen working on homebuilding projects for the elderly and handicapped next to the Helemano Plantation.
"My guys have hit the ground running," said Chief Master Sgt. Ronnie Barham, 301st Civil Engineer Squadron team leader. "They came here wanting to make a big difference because they knew the work wasn't just another construction project -- it was impacting the lives of some very important people." 

The chief explained that the organization spearheading the project, ORI Anuenue Hale ('Rainbow House'), is a nonprofit group dedicated to providing relief to and promoting the general welfare of the elderly, disadvantaged and disabled people of Oahu. 

Members of the group -- the initials of which stand for "Opportunities for the Retarded, Inc." -- have been supporting the elderly and disabled communities since 1980.
The group's newest development is the Aloha Gardens, a 40-acre project that will include a day-care and wellness center for the elderly; a vocational training center; a campground area; agricultural and aquaculture operations; a country market and mini-golf area; and short-term respite care facilities. 

"This entire project of love and goodwill has been the vision and dream of one lady, Susanna Cheung," said Chief Master Sgt. Luis S. Ayala, military project coordinator. "Mrs. Cheung is a very determined and passionate person who has seen a great need among the elderly and handicapped and she has done everything in her power to make a difference. I'm glad the military has gotten the chance to be involved." 

Initially, the Air Force Reserve signed on to build three five-bedroom homes and a social hall in 2006 as part of its IRT initiative, which, according to officials, has agreed to continue its support. IRT is a civilian/military partnership through which Reservists receive training while supporting local communities throughout the United States. Reserve civil engineers have been involved in IRT projects for the past 10 years. Aloha Gardens was one of the more than 100 projects across the nation selected in 2006 by the IRT. 

"Our people are doing excellent work," said Chief Barham. "They get to work every day by 6 a.m. and they don't finish until late in the evening. We take pride in our work and have been extremely glad to be part of this important humanitarian program." 

Yvonne C. de Luna, Helemano Plantation public relations specialist, voiced similar enthusiasm for the 301st Fighter Wing' s efforts. 

"The military has done an amazing job here - their tremendous support is making Mrs. Cheung's dream a wonderful reality," she said. 

During the past two weeks, the 301st has completed the installation of a 750-foot fence, framed up three cabins, installed 10 15-foot street lights, set up and converted a trailer into an office and set up a supply tool system; and installed a water fill station; and dug a 40-foot trench and installed a water line for the fill station. 

"I'll go anywhere with these guys - they're a class act," said Chief Ayala. "Very few civil engineer teams specialize, but the 301st FW is a complete civil engineer team. They would be one of my first choices if I had to get a big job done." 

The chief added that the 301st has supported other humanitarian projects in Honduras in 1996 and in Guatemala in 2001. 

Other reserve units will follow the 301st to continue the IRT project as a training opportunity. Team members have been able to train in various fields not directly related to their Air Force specialty. 

Senior Airman B.J. Alexis, a heating and air conditioning specialist, said he has got the chance to do more than his regular job here in Hawaii. 

"It's been a valuable learning experience," he said. "This is my first time to Hawaii but what has mattered most to me is the training and the work being done. We are helping out people who have difficulty helping themselves. That type of work makes you feel good inside."