TACP Airmen build park for Air Force Enlisted Village

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sarah Martinez
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) --  After about six weeks of hard work, sweat and dedication, several Air Force Tactical Air Control Party volunteer Airmen from Hurlburt Field, Fla., completed a new park at the Air Force Enlisted Village in Shalimar, Fla.

The AFEV held a ceremony recently to dedicate the newly-built park. The event also marked the fifth anniversary of the Hawthorn House, an assisted-living residence for spouses of fallen Airmen.

TACP members sometimes have very strenuous schedules, but, they still find time to volunteer to help the local community.

"Whether we (volunteer) for four hours a month or 40 hours a year, nothing bad comes of it," said Senior Master Sgt. Troy Lundquist, TACP course superintendent.

After enduring hot weather while performing hours of manual labor, the park became a reality. Now, grandchildren of the AFEV residents have a place to run around and play.

Staff Sgt. Jeff Calhoun, a TACP student, gave nearly 18 hours of his time to help with the construction of the park. He laid sod and helped place nearly 1,000 pounds of sand all around the park.

"It's a great feeling to give back," Sergeant Calhoun said. "It was strenuous work, but it was worth it."

AFEV personnel watched as a forest of various bushes and trees became a park. One AFEV member, in particular, noticed and appreciated how Sergeant Lundquist led by example working right alongside his TACP counterparts.

"(Sergeant Lundquist) was out there sweaty, wet and dirty," said CEO of the AFEV and retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Binnicker. "He wasn't sitting in his truck with the air conditioner on."

According to Sergeant Lundquist, the TACP Airmen have been involved in other community activities such as the Memorial Day Navarre Youth Baseball Tournament.

The sergeant also said he has events planned for the Airmen in the future, including a golf tournament to benefit the Children in Crisis foundation.