AFMC Command News

Dirty crew pave their way

  • Published
  • By Maranda Rimes
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  What do you call a grown man who still plays in the dirt? A “Dirt Boy,” of course.

“A ‘Dirt Boy’ is anyone who works in the pavement and construction equipment career field. (It’s) a nickname given to us because we are always working in the ‘dirt,’” said Steve Ray, 796th Civil Engineer Squadron horizontal section foreman. “I like everything about the 'Dirt Boy'  world.”

Mr. Ray said he likes moving around, working different projects and never being stuck in the same place, task or environment day after day.

July 18, some of the “Dirt Boyz” could be found repairing a sidewalk in front of one of the dorms on base.

Staff Sgt. Anthony Jones, 796th Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and construction equipment operator, said he grew up ranching and doing construction. This helped him prepare for his current job, which he enjoys and has held for six years.

“This sidewalk has a high volume of people, we are just the guys behind the scenes making it even and safe,” Sergeant Jones said.

“My advice to anyone looking at working in the pavement and construction equipment career field is to be 100 percent sure you want to work in a physical and harsh environment. The sun, wind, rain and snow can punish even the fittest person’s body.”

“I like being outside. If I was inside an office I would probably fall asleep in the air conditioning,” said Airman Dirk Tanses, 796th Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and construction equipment operator.

Ask a 'Dirt Boy'  what a “typical day” is like, and he will probably say there are no “typical” days. The reason is because each day is spent working on different projects.

Some projects include constructing base streets, parking lots, storm water drainage systems and sidewalks, according to Mr. Ray.

“I love that my job lets me operate heavy equipment, construct things out of nothing and see the results of my work,” said Tech. Sgt. Hector Gregory Jr., 796th Civil Engineer Squadron NCOIC of training.

“One day we can be laying down concrete, tearing up a damaged airfield or operating a bulldozer in the dirt.”

Recent jobs include the installation of the directional spikes at the hospital gate and the fuel tank project for Eglin’s Aero Club.

Mr. Ray said one memorable experience in his job, which he has held for 33 years total in combined military and civilian experience, is riding out the hurricanes, and not knowing what will be found once the wind dies down and the recovery begins.

“Mother nature has dished out some good whipping to Eglin over the last couple of years. These are the times ‘Dirt Boyz’ like; the long hours and hard work in a fast-paced, challenging environment.’”

“Since we are always in the ‘dirt’ doing our job, making a lot of dust, getting dirty and eating a bit of dirt in the mean time, the name sticks to us,” Sergeant Gregory said.

The “Dirt Boyz” are held to the same uniform standards as the rest of the military, and often have to clean up quickly when the day calls for them to work outside before attending a ceremony later in the day.

One piece of advice given was to “keep your nails cut and use a lot of soap.”

“The physical stress placed on our bodies while digging, doing concrete and asphalt work and handling heavy materials is a thing we deal with on a daily basis,” said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Sharketti, 796th Civil Engineer Squadron horizontal repair superintendent.

“For those wanting to join us, be prepared to get a good workout every day. This is not a job with high-profile or high-level recognition.”