Ulchi Freedom Guardian: RED HORSE brings comfort to augmentees

by Staff Sgt. Cody H. Ramirez
7th Air Force Public Affairs

8/22/2014 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- More than 3,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines from throughout the Pacific theater and the United States journeyed to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 18 through 29 to take part in Ulchi Freedom Guardian, a command post exercise aimed at increasing the readiness and defensive capabilities of U.S. and Republic of Korea forces.

Many aspects varied between the travelers: their jobs, where they came from and their military experiences. But one thing remained constant for the group of military personnel ranging from young enlisted to field-grade officers, their need for beds, food and water.

Members of the 254th RED HORSE Squadron, an Air National Guard unit stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, provided hundreds of augmentees with those needs. The 14-member team came to Korea weeks before to set up Rush Park, a small, deployment-like community containing tents, K-Spans and connexes.

Many military members have been in service long enough to have experienced multiple deployments, most commonly lacking hotel-quality facilities, but for a good number of the attendees of UFG, this was their first time away from the luxury of home. RED HORSE members kept this in mind while establishing tent city.

"We want to make sure people are comfortable while they are out here," said Capt. Patrick Sanchez, 254th RED HORSE member. Adding that shelter and basic needs are "something you should not have to worry about while you are out here, and that is something we try to provide ... a way for [exercises augmentees] to be comfortable."

RED HORSE stands for Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers. The units are typically sent into a location where no facilities or structures stand and they are responsible for the initial foundation of a base. At Osan, the materials and foundation are there, so the team has a slightly different mission.

"When we first came out here, there were no tents, no [air conditioning units], everything is packed away in the K-Spans," Sanchez said. "We take out [the equipment and materials] and then make sure it is placed right and functioning. We make sure everything is ready for the people when they show up."

RED HORSE is made up of many smaller teams from a variety of civil engineer shops, and each team comes with its own specialty, Sanchez said. Everyone has their own responsibility whether it is construction, heating and air conditioning or heavy equipment.

"I check the water buffalos, make sure the water is safe to drink and maintain the bathrooms," said Senior Airman Barry Munoz, 254th RED HORSE member, who also assists with other sections and their duties.

Munoz said his experience in Korea has been unique.

"It is great to meet people from around the world, to get to know them and their concerns and make sure they are safe and happy," Munoz said.

Between establishing tent city and tearing it down, Sanchez, Munoz and the remaining 12 members of 254th RED HORSE, fill their time by handling work orders and doing handy-work to improve the quality of life around the expeditionary town.

Sanchez said he received outstanding support from the 7th Air Force and the 51st Fighter Wing during his stay in Korea.

"It is a beautiful relationship we have built," Sanchez said. "It is really great to deal with different types of leadership and make sure we get things done while we are here."

Sanchez said exercises like UFG remind him to "make the most out of every opportunity and to never stop learning. You may know your job, but every experience provides a new challenge."