Civil engineers provide humanitarian support

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TAWI-TAWI, Philippines --  Helping people through humanitarian missions is one of the many things Airmen do, and Balikatan '08, earlier this year, proved no exception.

Several Airmen from Misawa Air Base had an opportunity to put their skills to good use and showcase the gentler side of the Air Force in an island province of the Philippines.

"Our mission was to renovate a school for 100 students in Tawi-Tawi, in the Philippines," said Master Sgt. Emilio Hernandez, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron Maintenance Engineering Flight superintendent. "This was a first for our squadron."

The term Balikatan is a Tagalog word, which means shouldering the load together and characterizes the philosophy and intent of Balakatan '08. The Airmen worked side-by-side with nine members from the Philippine Navy in the island province to rebuild the school, which needed extensive renovation due to years of weathering.

"Together, we removed and replaced the roof, doors, windows and concrete sidewalk," said Sergeant Hernandez. "We repainted the exterior and interior, divided the building into two classrooms and installed two chalkboards."

This part of Balikatan focused on humanitarian and civic assistance, and the Misawa team made a difference to the children of Tawi-Tawi.

"It took us 28 days to build the school," said Sergeant Hernandez. "It was great to have the opportunity to do this. We knew we made a difference. Before we got here, the kids had to walk 20 miles to attend a different school because the school was not safe for them to use."

For many of the Airmen on the team, it was their first exercise involving humanitarian support. As a team, it was one of their most rewarding and it felt good to go out and have a positive impact on a village the way they did said Sergeant Hernandez.

"Tawi-Tawi is a beautiful island from which you can see Malaysia, but the conditions we worked in were harsh," said Sergeant Hernandez. "It makes you appreciate what you have here, but more importantly, we felt a sense of accomplishment renovating the school. This is the best assignment I've been on. Humanitarian missions are what we like to do."

The 10-member team also included a medic who agreed with Sergeant Hernandez.

"In my 20 plus years of service, this was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had," said Master Sgt. Rustam Jumani, 35th Medical Squadron independent duty medical technician.

As an IDMT for more than 12 years, Sergeant Jumani has been all over the world.

"I've done a lot of cool things, but seeing the smiles on the Tawi-Tawi kids' faces was exceptionally unique," said Sergeant Jumani. "The best part was doing what I do best - treating patients in a field setting under extreme conditions. We truly strengthened our relations with the people of the Philippines with our efforts."