Brick by brick

Phil Winder, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron, uses a K-12 block paving cutting machine to cut bricks for the pathway of Holiday Park. The new park is an area next to the Bob Hope Community Center which will centrally locate the annual holiday tree and cards display. In addition to the tree brought in annually in December, five live spruce trees will be permanently planted in the park area. Ten 100th CES personnel have been working on the area, which is estimated to be finished at the end of October. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

Brick by brick

Richard Austin, center, lays bricks in the pathway of "Holiday Park" -- an area specifically for the annual holiday tree and cards display -- as Phil Winder and Airman Justin Cather, all 100th Civil Engineer Squadron, move bricks used in the construction. The area will have sidwalks in a hexagon shape, with five live spruce trees in the middle. The area should be finished by the end of October. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere)

Holiday Park construction underway

Published Sept. 29, 2008
By Karen Abeyasekere
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- A purpose-built area for the annual holiday tree and cards on display in December is currently being built next to the Sept. 11 Memorial Park and the Bob Hope Community Center.

Five live spruce trees will be planted, to be on permanent display, and there is a special area for the tree brought in each year, which will be decorated and lit, according to Master Sgt. George Gardner, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Operations Flight, superintendent of heavy repair.

"The idea is to centrally locate the annual holiday items, such as tree and cards," he said. "The project is being completely built by a CE labor force, both military and civilian, and should be completed by the end of October."

Once the brickwork is laid and finished, the trees will be planted. About 10 people from 100th CES have been working on the project, both electricians (installing permanent electrical outlets) and "Dirt boys" from horizontal maintenance.

The area may also be used for other holiday purposes throughout the year.