YARS, City of Newton Falls team for Vet Park stairs rebuild Published Aug. 26, 2016 By Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr. 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs NEWTON FALLS, Ohio -- Members of the Air Force Reserve’s 910th Civil Engineer Squadron, based at nearby Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS), Ohio, put the finishing touches on a project to rebuild a wooden staircase leading from the Veteran’s Park to the riverside here, Aug. 25, 2016. The three week project for 910th Citizen Airmen to demolish the existing stairs and design and build the new stairs, which started on Aug. 8, 2016, is part of the Air Force Community Partnership Program (AFCPP), ongoing locally since June 2014. The AFCPP is designed to identify and develop mutually beneficial partnerships between Air Force installations and surrounding communities. The stairs rebuilding project has been in the works since it was identified during AFCPP meetings held at YARS and required coordination between Air Force Reserve and city officials to work details such as project costs, liability issues and more. The authority for the 910th to complete the work in Newton Falls is granted by a section of the U.S. Code and the Department of Defense Instruction outlining Realistic Military Training (RMT) Off Federal Real Property. Jack Haney, Newton Falls City Manager, said city officials and 910th Airlift Wing leadership reached an agreement where the city provided project materials and the 910th Airlift Wing provided engineering and manpower at no cost to the city. He also said it provided the Air Force Reservists the chance to practice their skills and perform hands-on training. “Without this partnership, the city did not have the resources to complete this project,” said Haney. “It’s been an honor to work with the 910th and their personnel. They exemplify the best in the nation.” Senior Master Sgt. Brian Phillips, 910th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy repair superintendent, noted the project provided a unique setting for the Citizen Airmen to get on-the-job training. “These guys had a great time on this project. They got to practice their craft in an off base environment. They were able to hone skills they can use down range,” Phillips said. “These are the same techniques our team would use to build a gazebo or a deck at an overseas base.” Senior Airman Charles Tazewell, a 910th Civil Engineer Squadron Structural Engineer, said the structural engineer team developed great camaraderie during the project and there was always something to learn. “These are the best projects. Real life and hands on,” Tazewell said. “Our team really gelled out here and what one person doesn’t know, someone else does. That teamwork gets the job done.” Retired Air Force Reserve Col. Kevin Riley, special assistant to the 910th Airlift Wing commander, said the wing is excited to participate in this mutually beneficially partnership with the City of Newton Falls. “This RMT project is truly a win-win for the 910th and Newton Falls. Our Citizen Airmen have the opportunity to hone skills they need to do their jobs anywhere in the world right here in the Mahoning Valley,” Riley said. “In return, the city is able to utilize Air Force Reserve resources to help them realize the vision of having this landmark completely rebuilt.” Tazewell said many people stopped to compliment the 910th CES team on their efforts. “The old stairs had been here for about 30 years and had run their course. These new ones will be here for years to come,” Tazewell said. “People were really excited to see the project being done and that the stairs would be ready very soon.” The city manager agreed that the completed project will hold a special place in the hearts of the residents of Newton Falls. “This work will be appreciated for years to come,” said Haney. “This is a visible and lasting example of the cooperation between the 910th Airlift Wing and a local community.”