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National Guard engineers rebuild bucking chutes at EOLS groundsUNION, Jul 01, 2010 (The Observer - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The Eastern Oregon Livestock Show arena recently became a better place to hold a rodeo, thanks to a dozen men in uniform doing their patriotic duty. The men, serving with the Oregon National Guard's 234th Engineer Company, spent two weeks in June rebuilding the bucking chutes at the show grounds, the scene of Union's annual centerpiece event -- the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show with its Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo. "This is one of the best projects we've done," First Lt. Dan Oldham said as work was winding down June 23. "We've had more support from the community than we could hope for, and we're very happy. We wouldn't mind coming back at all." When not deployed overseas, National Guard soldiers typically train in their military occupational specialities one weekend a month and two weeks a year. For the 234th, the two-week annual training period often means taking on a project in an Oregon community. The Guard provides the manpower, the community comes up with materials. Soldiers keep their construction skills sharp, and the communities get some visible improvement. "It's a training opportunity for us, and a way to get the Guard out in the public," Oldham said. The Union project is one of two being done by the 234th this summer. Another 11 soldiers were assigned to construct a period-correct granary as part of the Fort Umpqua Trading Post replica in Elkton. The 234th, from Warrenton on the Oregon coast, arrived at the Union project site a day early and watched an EOLS rodeo performance to get an idea of how the bucking chutes work. Their assignment was to replace aging wooden posts under the announcer's booth with steel supports, and also to tear out old wooden mounting platforms behind the chutes and replace them with concrete ones. Spc. Steven Jared, in civilian life a general contractor from Hillsboro, said the project provided great hands-on work for military engineers with varying levels of experience. "We've got guys who are welders, concrete guys and carpenters, a bunch of old soldiers who have been doing this for years, and then we've got some new guys, too," he said. Actual construction, he said, was only a part of the training. A unit involved in a project like this also learns a good deal about Army values. "You see the teamwork and the dedication," said Jared, the project foreman. "It's not just about the site, it's about team building, too. Everybody has to pitch in and work together." Soldiers said Union County went out of its way to make their stay a pleasant one. They had especially good things to say about the accommodations at the Best Western Motel, and the service at Denny's Restaurant. The soldiers also said it was a pleasure working with companies like Barreto Manufacturing, Miller's Home Center and Lumber, D&B Supply and Fastenal. "People said 'We support our military,' and it was good to see that," said PFC Luke Sutfin of Lakeview. "It's awesome. We're glad to do the work, and we're having a good time." Many of the materials and local services for the project were donated either by community members or businesses. Some of it was recycled from other uses. The steel posts, for instance, were formerly reaches in log truck trailers. Shaw said Barreto played a key role in the project, cutting steel and also donating steel for a placard that will mark the project as one done by the 234th. "Barreto has always been a big supporter of the show," Shaw said. Shaw said Oregon Guard Brig. Gen. Mike Caldwell, a Union County native, played a role in getting the project done, just as he did in 2002 when the 234th Engineers built the Earl Marshall Barn on the stock show grounds. The bucking chute job was one that badly needed to be done, and Shaw said EOLS organizers are grateful for the help. "It's a lot more stable structure now. Those wooden posts were rotted off. We really appreciate the work these guys have done," he said. To see more of The Observer or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.lagrandeobserver.com/. Copyright (c) 2010, The Observer, La Grande, Ore. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail [email protected], or call 866-280-5210 (outside the United States, call +1 312-222-4544). |