Rush Park: "Home away from home" for Key Resolve participants

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 7th Air Force Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Less than a month ago, Rush Park was nothing more than a few k-span building machines, hardened restroom facilities and cement pads. Now, it is home to nearly 500 augmentees from around the services, here to take part in exercise Key Resolve, which kicked off Feb. 28.

This "home away from home" is managed by members of the Guam Air National Guard's 254th Air Base Group, supported by a few augmentees from the Pacific Air Forces.

"This facility has been used several times before, so we are more or less reconstituting everything," said Maj. Frank Aguon Jr., Rush Park mayor deployed from the 254th ABG. "Our job is to make sure it was ready for the exercise participants."

Those efforts included setting up two k-spans, 12 connexes, 24 tents, and 600 cots. They also installed lighting, wiring and heating units for each tent. All of this was completed in less than three weeks by the team of 34 individuals. It was not without its challenges though.

"Timing was our biggest challenge," Major Aguon said. "It snowed prior to our arrival and during the first two weeks we were here. But it all boiled down to having an excellent outfit of people that know how to do the job and how to respond. We knew we had to time certain things to be completed on certain days.

"It was really seamless in terms of seeing the active duty work well with the Guard," the major said. "I'm proud of our efforts and that we were able to get the facility completed in time for the exercise participants."

As the first Key Resolve augmentees began arriving, the team at Rush Park was ready to welcome them. Each participant was in-processed, issued billeting assignments and introduced to the tent city amenities.

"It's important they know we're here to make the quality of life better while in tent city," said Master Sgt. Deborah Hernandez, Rush Park first sergeant, deployed from 13th Air Force at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

Efforts designed to enhance the quality of life in tent city include wireless Internet access, morale phones and computers, video gaming systems, movie checkout and a snack bar.

"It puts a smile on their face and that's what it is all about," said Tech. Sgt. Jorge Hernandez, a member of the 254th ABG who has supported seven exercises here at Osan AB. "If we have it and can bring it, we will. If we don't have it, we'll try to find a way to get it. We bring that island spirit."

Additionally, a chaplain is available to provide religious assistance.

"I'm focusing on making sure everyone has an opportunity for worship, if that's what they are looking for," said Chaplain (Capt.) Stephen Hicks, deployed from the 931st Air Refueling Group at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. "There is also a worship space and prayer room for people looking for a quiet place to pray, read, or de-stress."

With much of the support staff having participated in prior exercises, Rush Park operations often run like a well-oiled machine, according to First Sergeant Hernandez.

"I'm totally impressed with these guys," she said. "Because they've done it before, it's no problem for them to get set and go."

The Rush park staff's work doesn't end with the end of the exercise. Following the exercise, the staff will host a victory party for exercise participants. The party will include island BBQ, door prizes, and a musical performance by the Republic of Korea Air Force Operations Command band.

When it's all said and done, the Rush Park staff will tear down tent city and return the location to its barren state -- until next time.