An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Aug. 11, 2017

Illinois' 126th Civil Engineer Squadron lends helping hand to Pennsylvania National Guard

By Staff Sgt. Michael Patterson 126th Air Refueling Wing

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - The history of Fort Indiantown Gap extends back to 1755 when colonial settlers established fortification of the area during the French and Indian War. Almost two centuries later, the fort was developed into a National Guard training site at the recommendation of Gen. Edward Martin.

Now operated by members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, it is the busiest National Guard training center in the nation.

World War II reinforced the importance of the training site, which prompted the federal government to invest in a major construction project. By the end of 1941, more than 1,400 buildings were constructed on the site. One of those building was designated as "Building 11-11." During that time, Building 11-11 was used as a storage warehouse.

Today, Building 11-11 is being renovated to serve as a training facility for range safety and coordination briefings.

The 126th Civil Engineer Squadron, an Illinois Air National Guard unit assigned to Scott Air Force Base, arrived at the old warehouse July 22 and is the final civil engineer squadron to assist with the project.

"There were three rotations of Air National Guard Units involved in this project," said Senior Master Sgt. Roger Stine, the site project manager. "The 188 CES from Fort Smith, Arkansas, was the first unit, and the 190 CES from Topeka, Kansas, was the second unit to work on the project."

The rotation of Air National Guard members helped the $1.1 million project move closer to completion.

"The reservation maintenance personnel couldn't begin work on the project," said Stine. "It would have been years before they would be able to renovate the facility. The Air National Guard will complete the majority of the work and leave only a minimal amount of work to complete the project."

Having the extra hands certainly benefits the reservation maintenance personnel, however, the Air National Guard members involved in the project received a benefit as well.

"This is an excellent site to train our traditional craftsmen in civil engineering," said Stine. "There are a variety of tasks such as heating ventilation, air conditioning, an immense amount of structures work, plumbing and electrical work. The Army has worked very well with us and we've had ample supplies to get the job done."

As the project nears completion, Building 11-11's future tenant prepares to conduct its training more efficiently.

"Soon, range operations will have a dedicated training space," said Lt. Col. Daneen Hutton, FTIG director of public works. "Previously, their classes were hosted at any space that was available. The Air National Guardsmen are doing phenomenal work. I'm extremely impressed by their level of workmanship."

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group prepare dummies for a simulated casualty evacuation at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, July 17, 2025. The 108th Medical Company engaged in a weeklong field medical exercise to validate their readiness and elevate their medical and basic Soldier skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Christopher Booker)
Pennsylvania Guard Medics Simulate Chaos in Exercise
By Capt. Christopher Booker, | July 18, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - Soldiers assigned to the Pennsylvania National Guard's 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group, are engaged in a comprehensive two-week field medical exercise here.The...

Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Maintenance Group and 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron personnel load Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) equipment onto MAFFS #8, aircraft #554 at the Nevada Air National Guard Base on July 12, 2025. U.S. Northern Command activated two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) Aircraft, one from the 152nd Airlift Wing out of Reno, Nevada, and one from the 146th Airlift Wing out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in California. Two C-130 aircraft equipped with MAFFS and their associated personnel will support firefighting efforts in the Western United States. The 152nd Airlift Wing’s “High Rollers” and 146th Airlift Wing's “Hollywood Guard” report on July 14, 2025, and will be initially based out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Base in California and are anticipated to be in place through August 14, 2025.
Nevada Air Guard Wing Assists in Firefighting Efforts
By Senior Master Sgt. Paula Macomber, | July 18, 2025
RENO, Nev. – U.S. Northern Command has activated two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System Aircraft, one from the Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Airlift Wing out of Reno, Nevada, and one from the 146th Airlift Wing out of...

Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, SEA to the CNGB, join Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, the adjutant general of Texas, for an aerial assessment of flood-affected areas in Central Texas and to visit Guardsmen on duty supporting civil authorities with response efforts, Kerrville, Texas, July 15, 2025. To date, National Guard search and rescue operations, led by the Texas National Guard, have resulted in the rescue of more than 525 Texans. Hundreds of Guardsmen remain on mission to continue working with interagency partners in search and rescue and recovery operations.
Nordhaus, Raines see Heroism, Partnerships in Central Texas
By Master Sgt. Zach Sheely, | July 18, 2025
KERRVILLE, Texas – Early on July 4, almost 30 inches of rain fell within hours across Central Texas’s Hill Country, surging the Guadalupe River and triggering catastrophic flash flooding.Within hours, Texas National Guard...