ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Roger Barnett, a heavy mobile equipment mechanic at Anniston Army Depot, has been rebuilding reciprocating engines at the installation since 1999. It's his way of giving back to the U.S. Armed Forces service members who put their lives on the line each day.
"I feel like I am helping the Soldiers by producing a quality engine," said Barnett. "I think about our service members every day and pray about them every day."
He isn't alone.
Ronny Parker, supervisor for the Reciprocating Engine Reassembly Branch, said many employees in the reciprocating area regularly discuss the fact Soldiers rely of the work they perform.
"We get to see engines which have had damage from enemy fire; engines that have been blown up," said Parker. "We get to see, first-hand, what these engines have to endure, so we are motivated to build the best possible product."
Many shop employees, like Barnett and the shops HME leader, Ed Watson, have family members who serve or have served in the military. Each views turning wrenches and ensuring an engine will work the first time and every time as being their contribution to the nation's defense.
"I couldn't join the service," said Randy Linn, a heavy mobile equipment mechanic. "So, when the depot selected me to work here, it didn't matter what I was doing, as long as I was helping the warfighters."
"My grandfather and father both served in the military, said Watson. "Working here is my way of giving back."
Parker's branch is among many areas on the installation whose work has a direct impact on Soldiers and he knows he and the other Reciprocating Engine Reassembly employees aren't the only ones who think about service members each day.
"We come to work every day to make a difference and to provide the warfighter with the highest quality equipment," said Parker.
"When I'm rebuilding an engine, I think about who will be using it and would I want to use that engine or rely on it," said Barnett.
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