Sidewalks: One small step for the fitness center, one giant leap for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joseph A. Pagán Jr.
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron has been working around the clock for the past three weeks to install a new sidewalk connecting the dorms and education center parking lot to the Senior Airman Bryan Bell Fitness Center, here.

With the final pieces of material being made, the project is expected to be completed by July 31.

"Our shop received a request from the fitness center on what they would like to have done," said Staff Sgt. Jody Branson, 2nd Civil Engineer pavements and equipment craftsman. "We planned the project for them, put in a work order and built it."

While it seems simple, the planning process took three weeks and eight Airmen spent around 45 days in 90 degree heat to complete the sidewalk.

"It's a great feeling to have put in this much time and to see what we all did," said Branson. "When the fitness center expanded, they didn't plan for the sidewalk, and there was no way for Airmen from the dorms to get to the gym and back without getting muddy and dirty, or having them walk all the way around."

This project made it easier for Airmen to get here safely, and it came out fantastic, added Branson.

"We've already had the opportunity to speak with several Airmen who live in the dorms; they said this build has already saved them a lot of time and it's much safer," said Branson.

Prior to the sidewalk being built, Airmen could be seen emulating the game Frogger to cross the street.

"I used to have to walk on the road and try to avoid muddy puddles and the passing cars," said Senior Airman Rosalyn Nurse, 2nd Munitions Squadron line delivery journeyman. "I no longer have to worry about getting dirty or getting hit."

What started as an error in the building process has made a turn for the better and even boosted the morale of Airmen, said Branson.

"It makes me feel like a part of the team," explained Nurse. "Our complaints were heard about not having a direct path to the gym and people listened, which is great for morale."