McConnell engineer helps secure Afghanistan's future

  • Published
  • By Nicholas Lutton
  • Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  An Air Force officer is helping Afghanistan build - literally - a safer future.

First Lt. Tiffany Lee VanDenBroeke, a deployed project engineer and contracting officer representative for the Air Force Center for Engineering and Environment, oversees construction projects that support the Afghan National Army and National Corps of Police.

The projects to build bases and support functions throughout the country help the Afghan army and police go on the offensive against the Taliban to secure their nation, Lieutenant VanDenBroeke said

The native of Lino Lakes, Minn., said the most gratifying part of her work is seeing how her projects impact the mission. Engineering is directly helping the Afghans defend themselves, getting NATO forces one step closer to accomplishing their mission and making the world a safer place, she said.

"The rewards I gain from this mission are far beyond anything I would receive as a 24-year-old engineer with two years of experience in the United States," she said. "On this deployment, I am in charge of over $100 million in construction. I am gathering requirements, managing projects and sorting out needs versus wants for the customer. I am also being a good steward of the American taxpayer's money by ensuring projects meet our standards while helping build a sustainable Afghan future."

The mission of her unit, Combined Forces Engineering, is to provide engineer management services, advise and mentor Afghan National Security Forces engineers on installation and facility management, and develop the Afghan engineers into self-sufficient, competent operating agencies.

Lieutenant VanDenBroeke said CJ-ENG will execute $1 billion in construction this next year. She is personally responsible for $154 million of current construction.

The reasons she serves are very clear to her and stem from the attacks of 9-11.

"I don't want anyone to live in fear, especially those I love and care for," Lieutenant VanDenBroeke said. "It is an honor to know I am helping the world become a better place not only from an engineer 'sustainable' viewpoint, but also as an American military member accomplishing my mission to keep the United States free and safe."

Like most members of the military, she has sacrificed special moments with her family while she serves away from home.

"My husband is also in the Air Force, so we have a mutual understanding of serving," she said. "Although it is extremely tough on today's civil engineer with a one-to-one dwell rate (six months home and six months deployed) and although this year will be my second missed Christmas in a row, I still enjoy seeing the fruits of my labor and being part of a greater purpose."

When she returns home from her deployment in March, Lieutenant VanDenBroeke said she is looking forward to many things, including seeing her pet fish.

"I look forward to seeing my husband and my family up in Minnesota," she said. "I am looking forward to grilling high-quality steaks out on the deck of our house and enjoying a beer while watching a Monday night (Minnesota) Wild hockey game. I would say football, but that will be over when I return. I am also looking forward to having a nice soft bed!"