Annual Tour Supports Retention

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Terrica Jones
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
SAN MARCOS, Calif. --  Airmen assigned to the 567th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer unit from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, lent a helping hand to the Training, Education, Research, and Innovation (TERI) Campus of Life project here in June.

TERI specializes in serving individuals who have autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, brain trauma, severe behavioral disorders, dual diagnoses, and learning disabilities.

The RED HORSE team helped to construct a 2,200-foot retaining wall according to California construction specifications. More than 20 Airmen excavated trenches which were a minimum of 10-feet wide by 5-feet deep. They then back-filled the trenches with dirt and compacted it, as well as set up rebar to reinforce the concrete.

"This is one of the first of its kind to where they have so much to give to the autistic community, so to be a part of this is an honor," said Tech. Sgt. Curtis Sidbury, lead structure for the TERI project.

"Projects allow them to get to know each other, network, build relationships which helps with retention. Building relationship is invaluable and we don't get to do it anymore," said TERI site project manager, Chief Master Sgt. Cynthia Schlitz, from the 931st Civil Engineer Squadron.

"An Airman was planning on getting out," she said. "He was discouraged; but after this project, the Airman decided to reenlist."

"Airmen understand that the job we do doesn't just impact us but a city or a state. It gives them a broader view, building a community, a better outlook in life to appreciate the things we do when we help others," said Sidbury.

"To know that I am helping out kids with special needs made this fulfilling. We've had all our materials and the weather has been perfect," said Staff Sgt. Quenton Jefferies, water fuel systems maintenance and training monitor. "This has been a more fulfilling project to be a part of and the community likes us here."

"We get real world experience when we have a product at the end of the day and with this project being the most stringent, precision work has a whole lot to do with having to comply with all the rules and regulations." said Schlitz. "It's a challenge, but a good challenge and we have to make it work with those restraints."

Airmen were able to take a tour of the TERI campus life building to get an idea of what they were building and why it was important to the lives of those that attend the campus.

"It's teaching the students to be self-sufficient and teaching them how to be themselves along with how to live their life," said Sidbury.

"When I went to the center at Oceanside it was awesome! They have talented folks and teachers," he said. "I would love to be a part of this again if needed."

"I love these projects and I haven't been to one where everyone didn't go over and above and enjoy themselves," said Schlitz. "We like to work hard and play hard. Whatever needs to be done to get the job done because everyone wants a quality product they can be proud of."

She said it's an opportunity to train in preparation for deployment and gives young airmen an opportunity to lead teams. They also get some experience and still have backup with someone who is more knowledgeable if they get into a bind, she said.

"Retention keeps our troops in because they love doing things like this," said Schlitz.  "Airmen are able to make a difference leaving a legacy that gives them a sense of worth."