CRYSTAL SPRINGS, Miss. -- The 156th Civil Engineer Squadron from the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, supported the construction of Camp Kamassa, an initiative of Mississippi’s Toughest Kids Foundation, by applying their abilities and professional skills during Innovative Readiness Training in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. More than 41 engineers from different skill sets worked on-site to complete multiple tasks from May 13 – 27, 2022.
Camp Kamassa’s mission is to serve as Mississippi’s first fully handicap-accessible camp facility for children with serious illnesses and special needs. The 156th CES worked on the construction of eight duplexes and six family cabins at the site.
The PRANG Airmen performed several tasks, such as installation and troubleshooting of all cabin air conditioning units, LED light fixtures, and electrical components to enhance the quality of living.
“IRTs are a great way to hone our critical skills while directly improving the community, always a win-win,” said Maj. Ricardo Basora, the 156th CES commander. “I’m so proud of the work accomplished by the civil engineer Airmen and the service provided so Camp Kamasa can successfully support families.”
The team placed bathroom stalls, toilets, and other accessories in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessible design and improved interior finish, such as doors, windows, and bathroom trim for privacy and weather resistance. They completed a surveying assessment to create a pond where 21,825 square feet of ground, pine trees, and organic material was removed, for children to enjoy the recreational area. The number one priority for Camp Kamassa’s staff is a fun and safe space for the kids and their families. The 156th CES completed 2,911 training hours during the two-week period.
This mission is part of an IRT, a Department of Defense military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories that delivers opportunities to increase deployment training and provide real-world training to produce mission-ready forces.
The 156th Civil Engineer Squadron from the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, supported the construction of Camp Kamassa, an initiative of Mississippi’s Toughest Kids Foundation, by applying their abilities and professional skills during Innovative Readiness Training in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. More than 41 engineers from different skill sets worked on-site to complete multiple tasks from May 13 – 27, 2022.
Camp Kamassa’s mission is to serve as Mississippi’s first fully handicap-accessible camp facility for children with serious illnesses and special needs. The 156th CES worked on the construction of eight duplexes and six family cabins at the site.
The PRANG Airmen performed several tasks, such as installation and troubleshooting of all cabin air conditioning units, LED light fixtures, and electrical components to enhance the quality of living.
“IRTs are a great way to hone our critical skills while directly improving the community, always a win-win,” said Maj. Ricardo Basora, the 156th CES commander. “I’m so proud of the work accomplished by the civil engineer Airmen and the service provided so Camp Kamasa can successfully support families.”
The team placed bathroom stalls, toilets, and other accessories in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessible design and improved interior finish, such as doors, windows, and bathroom trim for privacy and weather resistance. They completed a surveying assessment to create a pond where 21,825 square feet of ground, pine trees, and organic material was removed, for children to enjoy the recreational area. The number one priority for Camp Kamassa’s staff is a fun and safe space for the kids and their families. The 156th CES completed 2,911 training hours during the two-week period.
This mission is part of an IRT, a Department of Defense military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories that delivers opportunities to increase deployment training and provide real-world training to produce mission-ready forces.
To see all photos of the IRT, click here.