Airmen build future with present mission

  • Published
  • By Pfc. William Hatton
  • Multi-National Division - Baghdad Public Affairs
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq (AFPN) --  There are many things that go into constructing buildings that servicemembers live and work in while serving in Iraq.

In order for offices, dining facilities and dormitories to become a reality, someone drew plans, ordered supplies and constructed every room. That construction responsibility falls on Airmen from the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Right behind the Multi-National Division - Baghdad headquarters building here, Airmen are building four small offices so that other servicemembers can expand and further complete the mission at hand, said Senior Airman Luis Villarreal, a civil engineer from the 1st SOCES.

"Being out here and having the opportunity to apply what I've trained for is something that I enjoy," said the Dallas native.

Applying what he learned at technical school makes being in Iraq constructing buildings something enjoyable, said Airman Nick Soracco, a civil engineer with the 1st SOCES. Being with friends makes the job even better, added the Macon, Ga., native.

"We're all close out here," Airman Soracco said. "We spend a lot of hours together working, and with that comes a lot of camaraderie."

The new building will give them a place to report to when conducting their regular job of conducting base maintenance like fixing broken doors and windows.

"It's our chance to really learn what we're meant to do. It's also nice because we get the opportunity to get our hands dirty," he added.

One of the hardest parts of the job is the manual labor.

"Hammering all day can really wear you out," Airman Soracco said.

When the building is complete and everything has been done, from electric to plumbing, the feeling of having completed the mission is exhilarating, Airman Villarreal said.

"You really get a sense of what you've done when you come out to a site like this, that is just dirt, and when you finish there are offices so people can complete their mission," Airman Villarreal said.

"Once our mission is complete, it's time to pack up, move out and start building another building that's needed," said Airman Soracco.

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