Joint Task Force-East

North Dakota Adjutant General visits Airmen in Romania

June 7, 2008
Advisory No. 20080607-1

MK AIRFIELD ADMINISTRATION CENTER, Romania — Members of the 119th Civil Engineering Squadron, from the North Dakota Air National Guard, took a break from their construction work June 6 to welcome their adjutant general, Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk, to Romania.

This visit marks the first time that Sprynczynatyk, an Army general who serves as the adjutant general for both the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard in North Dakota, was able to visit his Airmen deployed overseas, said Command Chief Master Sgt. Brad Childs, the 119th Wing command chief, who is traveling with Sprynczynatyk.

The 119th civil engineers are currently deployed for two weeks to MK Airfield Administration Center near Constanta, Romania, as part of the annual Joint Task Force-East rotation. JTF-E is part of an ongoing commitment for U.S. forces to train with and build enhanced relationships with Romania and Bulgaria.

While in Romania, the “Happy Hooligans” are replacing the roof on two buildings near the flightline, hanging drywall, fixing electrical and other interior issues, and pouring a concrete pad for the fire station.

“I think they’re doing a great job,” said Sprynczynatyk. “They briefed me on what the conditions were when they arrived. Now, in little more than a day’s time, they’ve already got both roofs covered.”

Sprynczynatyk said that for many of the young Airmen he talked to, this was their first deployment overseas. “This is a great opportunity for them to travel, do their jobs and experience a new culture all at the same time,” he said.

The civil engineers enjoyed spending time with their adjutant general. “It’s special,” said Master Sgt. Dallas Gruebele, the 119th noncommissioned office in charge. “It’s a morale booster to know our adjutant general wanted to come here and look at the project.”

His Airmen agreed. “It’s nice to see higher ranks come out and see how we’re doing,” said Senior Airman Jared Kuhn, who works on the roofing team.

Childs said that he and Sprynczynatyk are visiting North Dakota National Guard personnel deployed in Europe and Africa. “We have Soldiers and Airmen deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the world,” he said. “Our next stop is Ghana, Africa, to check on our medical personnel participating in ‘Shared Accord.’”

For more information regarding JTF-E please contact the Public Affairs Office, 0241 608 079, DSN 770-8079, cpicjtf-east@eur.army.mil.

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