Engineer Soldiers team up with AFL

MONROVIA, Liberia - On a hot and humid day, the eagerness of Soldiers to help make a difference brings joy to a local community. Soldiers of the 36th Engineer Brigade and the Armed Forces of Liberia work together to complete the Sinje Ebola Treatment Unit in support of Operation United Assistance Nov. 19.

"Our mission was to provide assistance to AFL so that they can have the facility up and running as soon as possible," said Staff Sgt. Michael Ashton, an Arlington, Texas, native. "We helped them with the electrical system, wooden structure and assisted with the plumbing - all to standard. My Soldiers came out here ready to help out and they also had an amazing time."

One Soldier in particular was eager she was able to get out and work.

"I'm just glad to have came out and provide support to the AFL," said Spc. Cara Lipford, a native of Langmont, Colorado. "When I came out here, I knew we would do a lot of work, but I didn't mind it because I knew I was helping the Liberians, and it also keeps me busy. So far this has been a great experience."

The AFL and the engineer Soldiers worked side-by-side exchanging ideas on ways to complete their mission.

"I think it's great that we have both forces coming together and exchanging ideas," said AFL Capt. Abraham Kamara, the deputy project officer for the Sinje ETU site. "We have our own way of construction and the U.S. Soldiers have their way also. I'm impressed by how well we combined both forces ideas and worked together as a team. Everyone knew what they had to do, and no one shied away or separated themselves."

Ashton said that they all had a great time learning from each other and learning about local materials while applying their own knowledge to the mission.

"The Soldiers were very thoughtful and would always ask me if I needed help or where should I move this," said Kamara. "The equal amount of effort made things run very smoothly."