386 AEW development project expected to deliver morale boost in AOR

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The quality of life for members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing has steadily improved in the last few months. Many upgrades are in the process now to support future rotations and their long-term quality of life in Southwest Asia.

A construction project is currently underway to prepare 33 new relocatable buildings, or trailer structures, for Airmen to reside in during their deployment.

“It will be a dormitory style room,” said Capt. Jarrod Brunkow, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron construction management officer in charge. “You will only have one or two roommates as opposed to a whole tent full of people.”

The project will eliminate the current 114 tents and generator power infrastructure currently used, providing a safe and more comfortable living environment for Airmen and transient personnel.

The development is also expected to deliver a clean, efficient, and safe solution to the existing lodging facilities, eliminating generator maintenance and hazards of exposed wires and hoses presented by them.

“Running off of commercial power is vastly more efficient than running off of generator power,” Brunkow said. “Moving into an insulated facility versus an uninsulated tent will greatly increase our efficiency.”

The 120 feet by 30 feet dwellings are made of steel with a vinyl floor covering, also making it easy to keep clean. They are expected to have LED fixtures and fire detectors, which the tents currently do not have.

Brunkow said his main goal is to make sure the master plan is carefully thought out and executed to prevent any foreseeable complications in the future.

With the current phase of the project being close to halfway complete, Brunkow projects finalizing two trailers per week. This would solidify the achievement of his personal goal to complete the project before he leaves the area of responsibility.

Lodging, food and fitness is the main focus of the 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron and providing an atmosphere for Airmen to regenerate is of great concern.

“Getting Airmen out of those tents is priority from a morale perspective, said Maj. Brian Crichton, 386th EFSS director of operations. “If we can solve the lodging piece and take that out of the equation, it will only help the Airmen fulfill the mission at hand.”

Maj. Alison Calfee, 386th EFSS sustainment services flight commander, emphasized how important the cooperation between agencies is in supporting the quality of life here.

“Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our customers,” said Calfee. “This project is a great example of how collaboration across wing agencies can help benefit all Airmen and coalition partners that come through our installation.”