Reservist shares insight on deployed life Published Aug. 30, 2012 By Bryan Magaña 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Maj. Rodney Hammond, the new 419th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, gave Hill Airmen a glimpse of an "outside the wire" deployment during a presentation here Aug. 24. In 2010, Hammond and about 30 fellow reservists from the 419th CES deployed to Afghanistan for six months as part of the 577th Expeditionary Prime BEEF (Base Engineer Emergency Force) Squadron. It was the first deployment for Hammond, who served as current operations flight commander. He relayed some of his experiences at Warrior Call, a monthly event where Airmen address various topics. "We had a unique mission on this deployment," Hammond said. "During a typical deployment, Prime BEEF civil engineers don't leave the base. But our mission this time required us to work outside the wire helping improve our Army counterparts' health and safety living conditions." They supported more than 60 forward operating bases and combat outposts, doing electrical work, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), and repairing structural damage caused by poor installation or indirect fire. The team also built housing and tactical operation units for U.S. Army, coalition and Afghan soldiers, and constructed a temporary runway for Polish aircraft. Their main goal was to improve the troops' standard of living. "We always did more for them than we were sent to do, we were always heroes when we fixed latrines and showers," Hammond said. "It was great to see the smiles on their faces when we got the job done. Never underestimate the power of a hot shower." Hammond also touched on what his deployment looked like beyond work hours. Living quarters were tight, the sense of danger was heightened, and Thanksgiving dinner was processed turkey served on a paper tray. But the deployed Airmen had plenty to boost morale, he said, including emails and online video chats with family. The little things kept Hammond motivated, like receiving care packages, working out, and setting goals for self-improvement. He also built rapport with his fellow Air Force Reservists, active duty and Army counterparts along the way. "This deployment was so gratifying," Hammond said. "It was nerve-racking at first, but I learned a lot about being a leader." Stay connected - Join the 419th on Facebook and YouTube