Helping Airmen protect their homes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 5th Civil Engineer Squadron's Home Winterization Assessment efforts proved to have a well reception as they have completed 125 home assessments thus far.

Airmen affected by the flood had the opportunity to have specialists from the 5th CES assess their homes and recommend repairs to winterize their houses in time for the cold temperatures.

Specialists from the 5th CES assessment team included plumbers, electrical engineers, heating and ventilation specialists among others.

Master Sgt. Daniel Clark, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron programs flight superintendent, said the six-man teams sent out to assess homes, mainly focused on recommending ways to protect already damaged homes from the clutches of harsh winters here.

"We wanted to make sure we can explain to Airmen how they can fix up their homes, so that when the winter showed up, their house would not gain any further damage than it already had," said Clark. "By next spring, Airmen can begin further repairs where they left off right before winter."

A key part of the assessments was the ability to link up Airmen with contractors who prioritize services to Airmen stationed at Minot AFB.

Earlier this year, in October, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley signed into effect the memorandum for Emergency and Extraordinary Expenses Funds for Incentivizing Assistance to Flood Displaced Minot Airmen. The funds authorized funding for skilled and licensed volunteers to travel to Minot, N.D., to perform home repairs.

These sub-contractors were brought here as part of an initiative to help meet the demand for skilled tradesmen to assist with the large number of damaged homes impacted by the historic Souris River Flood this summer.

"This was done as a way for the Air Force to prioritize services to Airmen," said Clark. "There has been a big demand for craftsmen with various home-repair skills in Minot and this initiative helps offset the demand."

Currently there are 16 sub-contractors being housed on base who prioritize their specialty services to Airmen. Their main function is to provide services to Airmen seeking specialty help in their respective professions including electrical, structural engineering and plumbing among other services.

Senior Airman Jeremy Melby, 5th Contracting Squadron contract specialist, said he found it benificial for the assesment team to check his home out.

"I was told the necessary steps I had to take to winterize my home and I also received phone numbers of local contractors that would help me rebuild," said Melby.

Clark explained even though the assessments first began in late September, Airmen were still receptive to the evaluations and they were glad they could help.

"The Minot community as a whole has been looking out for each other since the flood occurred," said Clark. "Some had already been receiving help from neighbors and other volunteers."

Tech. Sgt. Jason Dawson, 5th CES construction manager and home assessment team leader, said despite that some Airmen said they would have preferred to have these assessments done earlier, they were very receptive to their help.

"Some people had damage in just their basement, up to their first floor, or sometimes even to the second floor, but regardless we did our best to give advice," said Dawson. "I'm definitely glad we were able to conduct the assessments right on time for the winter."