TACP Airmen build park for Air Force Enlisted Village

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sarah Martinez
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  After about six weeks of hard work, sweat and dedication, several volunteer Tactical Air Control Party Airmen from Hurlburt Field completed a new park at the Air Force Enlisted Village in Shalimar, Fla.

The AFEV held a ceremony, Sept.11 to dedicate the newly built park to the spouses of TACP Airmen. The event also marked the fifth anniversary of the Hawthorn House, an assisted living residence for surviving spouses of fallen Airmen.

TACP members sometimes have very strenuous schedules; however, they still find time to volunteer to help the local community.

"Whether we (volunteer) for four hours a month or 40 hours a year, nothing bad comes of it," said Senior Master Sgt. Troy Lundquist, TACP course superintendent.

After enduring hot Florida weather while performing hours of manual labor, the park became a reality. Now, grandchildren of the AFEV residents have a place to run around and play while visiting their grandparents.

Staff Sgt. Jeff Calhoun, TACP student, personally gave nearly 18 hours of his time to help with the construction of the park. He laid down sod and helped place nearly 1,000 pounds of sand all around the park.

"It's a great feeling to give back," Sergeant Calhoun said. "It was strenuous work, but it was worth it."

AFEV personnel watched as the once forest of various bushes and trees became a pleasant and playful park. One AFEV member, in particular, noticed and appreciated how Sergeant Lundquist led by example working right alongside his TACP counterparts.

"(SMSgt Lundquist) was out there sweaty, wet and dirty," said James Binnicker, the ninth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force and CEO of the AFEV. "He wasn't sitting in his truck with the air conditioner on."

According to Sergeant Lundquist, the TACP Airmen have been involved in other community activities like the Memorial Day Navarre Youth Baseball Tournament. He also has events planned in the future for the Airmen to participate in, for example, a golf tournament to benefit the Children in Crisis.