Wolf Pack building for a better quality of life

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Planning, executing and marveling at work accomplished means just another day on the job for the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron.

CE's mission is one that couldn't be more evident across Kunsan Air Base, Korea.

"When you flip on your lights or go to take a shower -- you expect the power and water to be there," said 1st Lt. Joseph Pickenpaugh, 8th CES construction management chief. "We make sure the base's infrastructure is maintained and are continuing to upgrade and improve the quality of life for the Wolf Pack."

Talking about quality-of-life improvements, Lieutenant Pickenpaugh outlined three of the most visible projects currently under construction and slated to be finished by June.

"We're currently constructing a new running track and upgrading and remodeling the Sonlight Inn and Benjo Heights," he said.

The Sonlight Inn is a fellowship hall for the base's chapel. Benjo Heights are living quarters for majors and lieutenant colonels.

The new running track, located on the east side of the wing headquarters building, has been designed with six lanes and eight different workout stations evenly distributed around it. The track will have a concrete base with a rubberized surface for greater comfort and durability. It will be 300 meters with lighting for night use. The project also includes the construction of a gazebo with a barbecue pit. The track is scheduled to be completed by May 27 with an overall project cost of $474,000.

"We've received scores of complaints from people not pleased with the current serpentine running track," said Maj. Wesley Ryan, 8th CES programs flight commander. "When you have to slow down for the corners in the middle of a test and doing well is metered in seconds, those few seconds taken to make the corners can mean pass or fail for some. What we've done is lobbied for a more standard shaped track."

"The new track will be one of many successes to be enjoyed for years to come," added Lieutenant Pickenpaugh.

In addition to this new track, other immediate quality-of-life projects in the works by CE include the Sonlight Inn addition and renovation scheduled to be complete by April 21. The project includes the construction of a 1,500-square-foot addition, refurbished bathrooms and kitchen, the replacement and updating of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and repainting the facility's interior. The project cost totals $352,000.

"This is definitely a morale-booster," Major Ryan said. "Not everyone goes to the (lounges) or clubs on the weekends. There is a specific group (of people) who enjoy each other's fellowship at places like the Sonlight Inn. What we've done is enhanced their meeting place, or their 'club.'"

Yet, quality of life is more than just fun hangouts and physical training. Kunsan's Airmen need a place to crash at the end of the day, which is why the new dormitories have been such a key bullet on CE's list. However, majors and lieutenant colonels are also Airmen in need of quality living spaces, which is why the base has invested more than $2.5 million in renovating their billeting, Benjo Heights.

"Benjo Heights has been a full architectural repair in buildings 223 and 226," Lieutenant Pickenpaugh said. "This repair includes the renovation of the existing HVAC system, new carpet, ceiling tiles, painting, window replacement, patio replacement, bathroom renovation, kitchen renovation and new lighting."

"The Air Force places a high priority on its people and the mission they respectively complete," the lieutenant continued. "It's very important we take care of our people."

The Benjo Heights project is planned to be completed by May 14.

These three are among many on the horizon for Kunsan AB. On the books for the next year and beyond include:

· Ongoing repair of base roads
· Repairing and resurfacing the fitness center floors - July 2011 ($198,000)
· Repair the swimming pool and bath house - September 2011 ($186,800)
· Combat Physical Training Center - September 2012 (est. $600,000)
· Redesign and refurbishment of dorms 1431 and 1406 - project poised, no date yet set (more than $3 million)

"We are phasing the projects so they don't interfere with current operations," said 1st Lt. Jason Quick, 8th CES project management chief. "We're excited for the projected combat PT center as it will be like an indoor confidence course highlighting the 'cross-fit' workout style."

"This will help instill that warrior Airman ethos," added Lieutenant Pickenpaugh.

Impressing those old and new to Kunsan AB, CE sets the bar high and fosters a "close-knit family," said Master Sgt. Marrisa Luke, 8th CES programs flight superintendent.

"Since coming here no more than a week ago, I have been indoctrinated with the spirit of the Wolf Pack," she said. "Being at the Red Devils [squadron nickname] feels like home. We have a proud heritage and are proud of it."

[Editors note: This article is part one of an ongoing series featuring the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron and its many key components to the Wolf Pack's mission on the Korean peninsula.]