Airmen restoring old mosque

KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Among a landscape filled with tree stumps, old barbed wire, concrete and rebar, airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group found a hidden jewel -- an old building in desperate need of repair.

Thanks to base chapel, contracting and civil engineers leaders, and with the help of a large volunteer base, a 35-year-old Sunni mosque will soon be used again after having been abandoned for several years.

“A project like this with lasting impact generates the best in Air Force volunteerism,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Gary Garvey. “Finding a mosque is like finding a jewel. This is something that will last for a long time. It’s really a labor of love.”

The mosque was “discovered” by Capt. Geary Pyles, a 506th Air Expeditionary Group contracting officer, who asked Chaplain Garvey on Dec. 19 if it was possible to renovate the mosque.

Chaplain Garvey contacted Lt. Col. Dave Bossert, the 506th AEG deputy commander for support, the next day and asked for approval to restore the mosque. Colonel Bossert gave his approval immediately.

The project started Jan. 4 when Chief Master Sgt. Walter Poliansky, chief of operations for the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, led a 12-person volunteer crew in cleaning up the grounds. A week later more than 30 volunteers returned to assist in the effort.

“The chaplain asked for some help, and we were looking for something to do to give back to the people,” Chief Poliansky said. “It’s a worthwhile cause, and everyone seems quite chipper about it.”

He gives a lot of credit to his engineers.

“This is teamwork at its best when you get people from [bases] around the world over here leading the way,” Chief Poliansky said.

“Yet we couldn’t do this without our heavy-equipment operators, equipment shop guys, (heating and air conditioning) and structures crew and our firefighters,” the chief said. “One more Sunday morning and we should have the grounds clean.”

Capt. Ed Reder, 506th Expeditionary Communications Squadron mission systems flight commander, started out his volunteer shift by removing dead trees and brush. He was grateful for the opportunity to help beautify Iraq.

“This helps the local people,” the captain said. “When we give them back the mosque, it will be respectable looking, not trashy."

Airman 1st Class Nicholas Matthewson, from the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, received an e-mail from Chaplain Garvey asking for volunteers. He responded immediately.

“My New Year’s resolution is to do something good every chance I get. Here I’m fulfilling it minute by minute,” the airman said. “It’s supposed to help bring services back to Iraq. It feels good helping others. It’s a heart-warming experience here.”

For Tech. Sgt. David Minzie, from the 506th ECES and deployed here from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., helping is a chance to leave his mark.

“I figure that when I leave here, this is going to be one of my marks,” Sergeant Minzie said. “When I get on the airplane, this is one thing that I’ll remember. It’s something I’m passionate about. We are making a difference in the lives of Iraqis.”

Staff Sgt. Tansa Ayazgok, Chaplain Garvey’s assistant, is the volunteer coordinator in the effort.

“I believe it is important to keep the integrity of any religious building in tact,” she said. “Since there are no active mosques on this base, when restored, this mosque will be used to provide opportunities for worship for the Muslims on this base.”

She thanks the volunteers, especially those from the civil engineer squadron.

“Without CE, I doubt we would get anything accomplished. CE has been awesome,” the sergeant said.

Colonel Bossert is impressed with the enthusiasm that embraces this project.

“This mosque is really important,” he said. “You could see it on everyone’s face. We are making the statement to the Iraqi people that we respect them.

“We do this because we respect the Iraqi people as human beings,” Colonel Bossert said. “We know what they faced when Saddam Hussein was in power. We want to help the Iraqi’s return to normalcy and freedom. Part of returning to normalcy is the freedom to worship. We are giving them that.”