Guam soldiers work in Mongolia
Guam-based U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from the 797th Engineer Company recently worked alongside Mongolian Armed Forces to provide humanitarian assistance as part of U.S. Army, Pacific's exercise, "Khaan Quest."
More than 20 soldiers of the 797th Engineer Company served as engineers, carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers and laborers to construct a public bath house since early July, a press release stated.
First Lt. George Sablan, 797th officer in charge, said that many of the surrounding homes didn't have running water, so residents of the area relied on water distribution points. Electricity was sparse in the area as well, according to the release.
"We take this luxury for granted every day back home," Sablan said. "I can't imagine taking a cold shower at minus-20 degrees (Fahrenheit) in December."
The soldiers from the two countries developed relationships during the course of the project, whether they were trading construction techniques or sharing stories over meals.
"The best thing about this project is that my soldiers care. I know they want to finish this, not just because it's a mission, but they actually care about the purpose of the building," Sablan said. "We look at it as more than just a structure."
This was the first mission for Inarajan resident Specialist Bertha Duenas, a plumber with the 797th Engineer Company. She is a part-time Reservist and works full time as a reading and special education teacher at Inarajan Middle School."This has been a great experience. It has been a lot of work -- it's hard work -- but it's been rewarding knowing we're helping these people," said Duenas. "I feel very lucky to be here."
More than 20 soldiers of the 797th Engineer Company served as engineers, carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers and laborers to construct a public bath house since early July, a press release stated.
First Lt. George Sablan, 797th officer in charge, said that many of the surrounding homes didn't have running water, so residents of the area relied on water distribution points. Electricity was sparse in the area as well, according to the release.
"We take this luxury for granted every day back home," Sablan said. "I can't imagine taking a cold shower at minus-20 degrees (Fahrenheit) in December."
The soldiers from the two countries developed relationships during the course of the project, whether they were trading construction techniques or sharing stories over meals.
"The best thing about this project is that my soldiers care. I know they want to finish this, not just because it's a mission, but they actually care about the purpose of the building," Sablan said. "We look at it as more than just a structure."
This was the first mission for Inarajan resident Specialist Bertha Duenas, a plumber with the 797th Engineer Company. She is a part-time Reservist and works full time as a reading and special education teacher at Inarajan Middle School."This has been a great experience. It has been a lot of work -- it's hard work -- but it's been rewarding knowing we're helping these people," said Duenas. "I feel very lucky to be here."
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