RED HORSE constructs projects, partnerships from ground up

By Jason Heavner, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs / Published January 19, 2017

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Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Oswald, 819th RED HORSE Squadron structural journeyman, sands down a wooden cabinet that will go into a newly-constructed workspace as part of a renovation project in one of the unit’s buildings Jan. 18, 2017, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The 819th RHS is a 400-plus mobile squadron providing rapid response and independent operations through civil engineering in remote places anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jason Heavner)

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Staff Sgt. Mason Quimby, left, and Airman 1st Class Kristin Borah, both from the 819th RED HORSE Squadron, conduct preventive maintenance on a deep sink as part of a renovation project being conducted by the unit Jan. 18, 2017, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The 819th RHS is a 400-plus mobile squadron providing rapid response and independent operations through civil engineering in remote places anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jason Heavner)

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Senior Airman Verick McCorkell, 819th RED HORSE Squadron water and fuel system maintenance craftsman, cuts a piece of pipe as he installs a plumping system in a new restroom being built in Building 1450, Jan. 18, 2017, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. McCorkell, along other Airmen assigned to the unit, are currently conducting a renovation project on their own building. The 819th RHS is a 400-plus mobile squadron providing rapid response and independent operations through civil engineering in remote places anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jason Heavner)

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --

The Airmen attached to the 819th RED HORSE Squadron will say that being a part of the unit is like a tight-knit family.

Senior Airman Verick McCorkell, 819th RHS water and fuel system maintenance craftsman, states he’s only been with the unit since last year but has already experienced that family atmosphere and has gained a great deal of expertise along the way.

“I came from a civil engineer squadron in Guam where I did maintenance on water and fuel systems,” said McCorkell. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve learned how to build stuff from the ground up. I’ve added pipes to restrooms that we’re adding to this building. I’ve also framed and hung dry wall for work space additions. Before I came here, I’ve never done any of that before so being a part of this unit has helped me broaden my skillsets.”

819th Rapid Engineer Deployable, Heavy Operational Repair Squadron, Engineer is a 400-plus mobile squadron providing rapid response and independent operations through civil engineering in remote places anywhere in the world.

For one Airman, it was the unknown that made her arrival unnerving, but soon her fears subsided.

“I was really scared coming here because I didn’t know anyone, but everyone soon treated me like family which made my job more enjoyable,” said Airman 1st Class Kristin Borah, 819th RHS water and fuel system maintenance craftsman.

The challenge and seeing the fruits of their labor being put to good use is what motivates one Airman.

“I enjoy this job, especially this unit, because when we get the chance to deploy I get to see a project from start-to-finish,” said Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Oswald, 819^th RHS structural journeyman. “We recently went to Fort Bragg where we built a medical facility for a special forces unit. It was fulfilling to see it complete and watching that unit move in and utilize the facility. It’s a good feeling knowing that our services our utilized and appreciated.”

Currently, the squadron is utilizing their services on their own facilities as they are combining work centers from Building 1465 to 1450. This allows Airmen from the construction, plumbing and electrician shops to work out of one building while the soon-to-be vacated building will be occupied by their sister unit, the 219^th RED HORSE Squadron, which is part of the Montana Air National Guard and is currently deployed.

“We started this project in October and we’re aiming to have this all complete by March, at least before the guard and our guys come back,” said McCorkell.

Over half of 819th RHS is currently deployed with their sister unit and is due return in the spring.

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