It’s more than just a job

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexi Myrick
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.--Whether it’s a winter storm that freezes the airfield, or a massive tornado that leaves debris all over base, the 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron “Dirt Boyz” come to the rescue.

 

The Dirt Boyz ensure the base is operationally ready for all Airmen, from constructing buildings to maintaining the base.

 

”We do pretty much everything,” said Tech. Sgt. John Snyder, 22nd CES pavement and equipment supervisor. “The team paints roads, builds roads, fixes pot holes, repairs fences and fixes holes on the airfield.”

 

Dirt Boyz can be found on a daily basis doing any work the base itself needs. This includes getting down and dirty to dig holes or freezing on the flightline to remove snow.

 

“We keep the airfield operational,” said Snyder.  “As a team, we keep the snow and ice off of it so the planes can take-off and land.”

“We also keep the roads clear so people can get to and from work,” Snyder continued.

 

The Dirt Boyz do more than just fix holes, they can fix just about anything that needs repair on base.

 

“We are the jack-of-all-trades career field,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Bishop, 22nd CES pavement and equipment NCO in charge. “Taking care of the airfield is our number one priority, which is reliant on our young Airmen, and I don’t think they realize the impact that they have in the overall mission.”

 

Civil Engineer Airmen will be placing 160 tons of asphalt on the airfield in the near future. The Dirt Boyz will be building a new access point to the pit, which is used to hold de-icers. This project will take approximately 170 man-hours and will include the use of a dump truck, graters and

 

It’s projects like these where the Airmen get down and dirty to ensure that McConnell continues to refuel the fight, while also honoring them with the “Dirt Boyz” nickname.

 

“We are the ones that are out in the dirt, rolling through it with equipment,” said Bishop.

 

Although the Dirt Boyz are only manned with 16 Airmen and three civilians, they keep the entire base operationally ready, while keeping a positive attitude.

 

“It’s the best job in the world, we get paid to go out and play with big ‘Tonka toys,’” said Snyder.

 

To some, being a Dirt Boy is more than just keeping the base functioning.

 

“It’s more than just a job,” said Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Morgan, 22nd CES pavement and equipment operator. “You’re a part of a family.”