Civil engineers build a road for a better tomorrow in Iraq

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Randy LeMay
  • 916 ARW
Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. --  Few of us are able to help others on their road to recovery, but for two members of the 916th Civil Engineering Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. building a road for an entire country was just part of the job.
Master Sgts. Harvey Rouse and Grady Raynor of the 916th CE Squadron here worked with the Army's 555th Engineering Brigade and the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron respectively to build a road that was approximately 7.5 miles in length in Iraq.
"Once the road was completed, it would help facilitate the movement of the Iraqi Army tanks," said Sergeant Rouse.
Sergeant Rouse explained that working conditions were extremely hot and dusty with little rain. The days were long and numerous and about 85 percent of the time personnel worked in Kevlar, carrying weapons and ammunition.
"Being away from family in a hostile environment with a culture we didn't understand, makes me appreciate the things we take for granted here," he said.
Sergeant Raynor explained that they slept in container housing units, huts and just about anywhere they could find a spot. "We were at so many places and we did so many things," he said. "I really liked what I was doing and I like to finish what I start."
Sergeant Raynor served as the non-commissioned officer in charge of a 30 person team that consisted of carpenters, mechanics, electricians and equipment operators to work on various projects.
"I spent the last two months that I was there supporting the Army's 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Ky.," said Sergeant Raynor. "I was impressed by the younger guys in the 101st Airborne going out on missions everyday,"
Trying to improve the quality of time for those deployed to Iraq was the best part of my time over there, said Sergeant Raynor. "I do believe we are doing some good there. I really enjoyed it."