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Deployed Minot Airman sacrifices for those in need

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Whether on combat operations or on a joint task force helping to rebuild infrastructure in Afghanistan, Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen constantly heed our nations call and deploy to various regions throughout the world in support of the overall mission of protecting the homeland.

Airmen often go through eye-opening experiences while at their deployed locations which can create long lasting memories.

Capt. Erik G. Rauglas, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency flight chief, is one of many servicemembers who, despite having sustained injuries while on deployment, would be honored to answer his nations call once more if needed abroad.

"I had quite an experience while I was deployed and I'd go through it all over again if I had to," said Captain Rauglas. "It was a joint environment where we worked alongside the Army."

The captain said he served for nine months as commander of a provincial reconstruction team whose mission was to oversee management of local construction projects in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.

Deployed servicemembers, sometimes regretfully, pay the ultimate price for their service. Fortunately Captain Rauglas said he made it back strong, notwithstanding the wounds he endured.

The captain suffered shrapnel injuries during his deployment after a surprise explosion caught his unit off guard during a dismounted construction site inspection.

He was awarded the Purple Heart earlier in May of this year as well as the Combat Action Medal Oct. 13 for his actions. Captain Rauglas acknowledged that the effectiveness of the reconstruction mission he was part of was so great that it really helped him continue forward in fulfilling his duties.

Captain Rauglas explained his deployment to Afghanistan showed him a side of the reconstruction mission in a region that is not too often talked about.

"We helped out the locals with little day to day improvements in their lives such as providing medical support, fixing irrigation systems for farmers, to even overseeing larger scaled projects like restoring city hospitals," explained Captain Rauglas.

"In working side by side with the locals to help better their lives, you definitely feel and see firsthand the positive impact our coalition troops have in the region," said the captain.

He explained the importance of interacting face to face with local village elders and district governors to find out what the community was in most need of.

"The aid we provide all helps build good relations with the Afghan people," the captain said.

The reconstruction team also provided the community by building schoolhouses for the children and constructing roadways that connect Afghan villages.

The gratification felt when helping out the underprivileged is immense, explained Captain Rauglas, especially when it involved aiding children.

"There were some students in the region that often attended school out in the open and had instructors teaching from a chalkboard pegged to a tree," he explained. "We built suitable classrooms for them because it is the least they deserve."

The most memorable moment Captain Rauglas recalls while deployed was during an initial site visit to a local village where they stopped to visit an orphan and widow center.

"It was heartbreaking to see children with no father and mother, or sometimes missing one parent," Captain Rauglas continued. "Yet despite the condition some of these children found themselves in, I was amazed at how playful these kids remained."

From that point Captain Rauglas realized that whatever help his team provided, the children would grow up with more enriched lives because of it.

"Seeing innocent children in those conditions made me want to work even harder," said Captain Rauglas.

Every time they finished a project, the captain said, the faces of happiness and excitement on the locals filled him with a great sense of accomplishment.

"The help we provide ultimately contributes to the counterinsurgency struggle, because it shows the Afghan people what America is really about," said the captain.