Tinker Reservists build hope and homes for impoverished Navajo

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lauren Gleason
  • 507 ARW/PA
Forty reservists from the 507th Civil Engineer Squadron partnered with a Native American charity to construct homes for  Navajo living on a southwestern reservation as part of Innovative Readiness Training in June and July.

IRT is a DOD program that serves a dual purpose by providing real world training opportunities for service members and units to prepare for wartime missions while supporting the needs of America's underserved communities.

The CE team made a positive change in the quality of life for residents of the Navajo Nation reservation and gained experience through on the job training.

The officer in charge of the June rotation, Maj. Brian McLaughlin, felt that the New Mexico project was an excellent training opportunity for the 507th CES.

Two teams comprised of airmen from various specialties, such as HVAC, utilities, electrical, power production, pest control, and structures, took part in the IRT.

"We performed tasks outside our specialties when necessary, which offered opportunities for airmen to hone their skills in a way that is not possible back at the unit," McLaughlin said.

The team fabricated three homes in a warehouse, installed insulation and sheetrock, and traveled to several home sites to perform earthwork and install electrical, plumbing and septic lines.

First Lieutenant Christopher Yates said the expertise of the senior enlisted was the foundation of the mission.

"Working closely with experienced non-commissioned officers gave me valuable knowledge that I can use to manage my people more effectively," he said.

Water and fuel system maintenance technician Senior Airman Talisa Edmondson said the most rewarding part of her annual tour was witnessing first-hand the appreciation of the residents on the reservation, of which 56% live below the poverty level according to the SIF's website.

"I helped run water and electricity to homes that lacked infrastructure. It was really special to provide necessities to the Navajo that some have lived their whole lives without," Edmondson said.

The Southwest Indian Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization in Gallup, N.M. that primarily serves Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and other pueblo tribes. The charity aims to restore self-reliance and pride among the most affected by poverty. Various types of support are provided exclusively to Native Americans, with priority given to families with dependent children, handicapped, and elderly.

In 2013, SIF used proceeds totaling more than 19 million dollars to fund 23 new home builds, as well as to support Native Americans via education, jobs, food, and clothing.