Guardsmen, Mongolian Armed Forces provide humanitarian assistance

By Capt. Amy B. Slinker
Alaska National Guard

Sgt. Jeffrey Nault, a Army Reservist from the 797th Engineering Company (Vertical) based in Guam, and Leader Batbayar Bodolgasuren of the Mongolian Armed Forces work side-by-side while installing tiles inside a newly constructed public bath house in the district of Songinokhairkhan, Mongolia, Aug. 15, 2010. Members from the 797th Engineering Company and members from the Mongolian Armed Forces not only worked together to form bonds and exchange expertise, but also shared meals and exchange cultural ideas during breaks. (Photo by Spc. Jill King, Alaska Army National Guard)
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ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, (8/17/10) -- Service members from the Alaska National Guard, U.S. Army Reserves and Mongolian Armed Forces are working side-by-side to construct a public bathhouse facility here in the Songinokhairkhan District 22nd Horoo.

The engineers, carpentry masons, electricians, plumbers and laborers are building the facility as a Humanitarian and Civic Assistance (HCA) project during Khaan Quest 2010, a bilateral peacekeeping operations training exercise running from Aug. 8-29.

More than 20 Soldiers of the 797th Engineer Company (Vertical) from Barrigada, Guam have rotated in small teams to participate in the bath house project July 7-Aug. 21.

Alaska Army National Guard medic Sgt. Edward Antonio is providing medical support for the Reservists and Mongolians at the construction site. Antonio is a member of the 297th Military Police Company from Juneau, Alaska.

Humanitarian and Civic Assistance projects have been an ongoing effort throughout the continuous iterations of Khaan Quest. Last year, Mongolian Armed Forces and U.S. service members worked together to renovate the Altan Bulag Soum School Dormitory in the Tuv Province.

Training and events during Khaan Quest are focused on enhancing the capabilities of Mongolian and U.S. forces, said Alaska Army National Guard Col. Keith Kurber, director of Khaan Quest 2010.

The Humanitarian and Civic Assistance project demonstrates a mutual resolve to support humanitarian interests.

"It's another way to show the people of Mongolia that our military to military relations are producing tangible product that they can see," said Kurber. "They see that not just Americans are involved, but that their people are working on this project too."

1st Lt. George Sablan, the 797th Engineer Company (Vertical) officer-in-charge, said the team is determined to have the facility operational by the end of this week.

He added that many of the surrounding homes do not have running water, so residents of the area rely on water distribution points. Electricity is known to be sparse in the area as well.

"We take this luxury for granted every day back home," said Sablan. "I can't imagine taking a cold shower at -20 degrees [Fahrenheit] in December."

The brick-and-mortar structure is about 350 square meters. It will provide 12 shower stalls, four latrines and three family shower stalls. The building will also include a barber shop and salon.

Construction activity has included water well drilling, and installation of a boiler and septic tanks. The entire building is insulated and the roof design includes downspouts to allow for effective snow melt in the winter.

The Mongolians and U.S. Soldiers have developed relationships throughout the project, whether they're trading construction techniques or sharing stories over meals.

Byambaa Oiuou, a senior leader in the Mongolian Armed Forces, has been installing light fixtures in shower stalls.

"I'm so happy to work with the American Soldiers," he said. "And, this will help families and improve their lives.

Spc. Bertha Duenas, a plumber with the 797th Engineer Company (Vertical), has been working alongside Oiuou. This is the first overseas mission for Duenas, who has served in the Reserves for a year. She is a part-time Reservist, and works full time as a reading and special education teacher at Inarajan Middle School in Inarajan, Guam.

"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," she said. "I feel very lucky to be here."

The days ahead will include plaster work and installation of doors, bathroom fixtures and light fixtures. The team will paint the interior and exterior of the building, level the exterior grounds, and pour concrete sidewalks.

Sablan said the new building will improve the quality of life and the general health and welfare of the residents in the area.

"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," said Sablan. "We look at it as more than just a structure; it may be a stepping stone in the right direction for other projects in this area. It has a sentimental value to us."

Other activities during the exercise include a command post exercise and a medical readiness training exercise. A senior leadership conference will also be held this week concurrent with Khaan Quest.

In addition to U.S. and Mongolian military units, observers from other countries in the Pacific region are involved in the events.

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