139th News

Base running track construction underway

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Theo Ramsey
  • 139th Airlift Wing

The 139th Civil Engineer Squadron is facilitating the construction of the base’s first-ever running track.

 

The contract has been awarded and dirt work has begun, with an expected completion date around July, according to Lt. Col. Mark Ruehter, 139th Mission Support Group deputy commander.

 

A great deal of effort has gone into the approval and contracting bid processes.  The deputy base civil engineer for the track project is 1st Lt. Krista Abernathy and she is responsible for the majority of the administrative work, and Capt. Matt Neil is the base civil engineer who is responsible for successful execution and completion of the project.

 

“This is a local project with all money coming from local sustainment, restoration and modernization (SRM) funds,” said Neil. “The AATTC also had some funds that contributed to the project.”

 

The construction of a base running track is a high priority for 139th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Ralph Schwader.  Schwader’s high level of support for this project is based largely on base climate survey results where a large percentage of Airmen indicated frustration with the lack of adequate running facilities.

 

The track will have three running lanes and will be fully fenced in with lighting.  There will also be gravel parking.