Wishek  (CSi-National Guard)   Soldiers from two North Dakota Army National Guard engineer units are refining their military skills during “annual training” this summer by making enhancements to the Wishek Municipal Airport.

The work is being completed through the National Guard’s State Civil-Military Construction Program, which provides Guardsmen with realistic training in their respective military occupational specialties, or MOSs, while providing local nonprofits and governmental agencies with needed assistance.

About 40 Soldiers from the Wishek-based Detachment 1, 815th Engineer Company (Horizontal) began work in early June by clearing debris and hauling about 60,000 cubic yards of fill dirt to grade and expand the airport’s hangar apron. The upgrade will allow additional hangars to be built there to accommodate increased traffic at the facility. Additionally, the unit constructed an access road running to the apron, as well as a parking lot across from the airport terminal.

North Dakota adjutant general., Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann,     “This is the type of project that really adds training value for our Soldiers, allowing them to use their Army-acquired expertise to enrich their communities. Many of the Guard engineers involved in this airport project call Wishek home. Their ability to work in their communities as military members shows the unique attributes of the citizen-Soldier. Being a part of the National Guard allows for opportunities to respond for missions around the globe, within our state and even our own neighborhoods.”

This week, another 30 Soldiers from the 815th Engineer Company of Edgeley, North Dakota, are using their heavy equipment to build a new 2,500-foot taxiway in Wishek. Lorren Henke, a board member for the Wishek Municipal Airport, said the work done by the North Dakota National Guard will help to enhance safety and help enable the airport’s future growth.

He says, “I’ve enjoyed every time I’ve been out there to visit the airport. (The Soldiers) are helpful people; they’re really concerned about doing a good job and they take pride in what they do.  They wanted a quality project and want people to come by (the airport) and be able to say ‘this is what our Guard can do.’”

1st Lt. Justin Johnson, the executive officer for the 815th Engineer Company, said the project in Wishek gave the unit an alternative to its typical training venue at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. It also gave the Soldiers an opportunity to interact with the community. While in Wishek, the Guardsmen hosted a pinochle tournament, softball game, golf scramble and flag ceremony to show their appreciation.

Johnson says, “The community has completely accepted and supported us. To be able to help them out is great.  It’s awesome to be able to give back.”