Dirt Boyz dream big, dig lifestyle

by Senior Airman Ashley Nicole Taylor
354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/9/2015 - EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Perhaps Confucius said it best, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

For two Dirt Boyz assigned to the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron, Confucius seems to have hit the nail on the head.

Senior Airman Andrew Sundling and Airman 1st Class Adam Pryor, both 354th CES pavements and heavy equipment operators, find joy in their job, but their only wish is for more snow on the ground.

"I like being stationed at a colder base because I love the snow removal aspect of our job," Pryor said. "I've always had a fascination with equipment, but I'd like to go places to learn different parts of our job such as inspections of pavements."

Sundling has seen a different side of his job due to a seven-month deployment to Al-Udeid, but explained that snow removal is exciting to him and one of his favorite aspects of being a Dirt Boy.

"Being able to deploy was a turning-point for my career because I was always busy and got to drive machines other than a snow broom," Sundling said. "I love this job and I've had good mentors along the way and would like to stay in the military as a Dirt Boy for as long as I can."

Weather permitting, the Dirt Boyz shouldn't see snow for a few months, but there are plenty of other tasks to complete before the first snowflake falls again.

"After winter breakup we clean up the streets and sidewalks and take care of any job that might come up," Pryor said. "Some of our bigger projects include assisting with water break repairs and cleaning all of our snow equipment so that we can turn it in for summer rebuild."

The Airmen's next base may or may not include large amounts of snow, but trying to make the best of where they are now seems to be the general consensus from other shop members who've seen the two in action.

"Sundling and Pryor are two great Airmen who can receive a task and you know it's going to be done right without having to look over their shoulders," said Staff Sgt. Randy Hare, 354th CES pavements and equipment vehicle control officer. "They are more than willing to do any job you give them and don't complain about the task, no matter how minute. They are all around good guys to have in the military."