332D AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING -- Finding a good hobby during deployments can help pass the time, ease stress, and build connections. For Airman First Class Bryson Doll, 332d Civil Engineer Squadron structural apprentice, woodworking is his.
Doll has volunteered 50 hours, before and after work, on various woodworking projects that include bag toss boards, a bench crafted from a shipping palate, a picnic table and several other projects.
“I’ve been lucky to be able to work on projects outside the normal workload,” said Doll.
Doll commented that he found his passion in woodworking while working on houses, framing, and deck building.
As a structural apprentice, Doll helps keep Red Tails’ living quarters in working order by fixing stuck or broken door handles and repairing and fabricating structures on base, but he loves any opportunity to work on bigger projects that require woodworking.
“Any chance I get to do woodwork on a project, I jump on it,” said Doll. “We don’t do as much woodworking here and so the opportunities are limited for me to keep up my skills.”
Doll was excited when allowed to work on the outside deck and canopy for the 332d Expeditionary Medical Group clinic. A project that earned him recognition by the 332d EMDG leadership.
The addition of the canopy was the final step in an initiative that spanned two rotations. The idea was to develop a morale area that would bring people together and it has done just that, commented Col. Peter Kulis, 332 EMDG commander.
“I cannot thank Doll and his team enough for providing the final piece in that process,” said Kulis. “For years to come the morale area will bring Airmen together to socialize and build resiliency.”
Master Sgt. Jonathan Russell, 332d ECES structures noncommissioned officer in charge and Doll’s supervisor, shared an example of a mission-critical task that benefited from Doll’s woodworking skills. Doll crafted HC-130J Combat King II fuel tank support braces enabling maintenance to continue and ensuring zero delays to the aircraft’s mission.
“Doll has truly impressed me with his professionalism and craftsmanship,” said Russell. “He has stepped up to any task that has been given to him, leading teams, and has exceeded expectations with the quality of work he produces.”
A recent project that Doll says is one of his greatest accomplishments here is a picnic table he designed and built for the 332d Air Expeditionary Wing Top III Council. The table is highlighted with two inlaid coins, one from the Top III and one from the 332d ECES.
“I’m very proud of the Top III picnic table because I designed, built, and painted the entire project,” said Doll. “I built it sturdy and it should last for years.”
Not only does Doll design most of the woodworking projects he does, but he also paints them. Some with intricate designs, others with a thought in the proper color palate.
Doll used his time here with the Red Tails to be inspired when he did the design work on the bag toss boards located at the morale, welfare, and recreational patio.
“It is an honor to be able to build items that will add to the morale and legacy of the 332d AEW,” said Doll.
Whether supporting mission-critical infrastructure solutions or enhancing morale and for Red Tails, Doll is certainly leaving his handcrafted legacy at the 332d AEW.