Sometimes civil engineers really need heavy equipment
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq - Maj. David Walter, 446th Civil Engineer Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., dons full body armor before leaving Kirkuk RAB for a visit to a forward operating base. Major Walter, a Reservist, is one of about 40 Reserve Airmen from McChord currently deployed to Iraq. Major Walter says "The best part of this job is getting out there with the men and women who are doing the real work of keeping the bad guys at bay, while the nation of Iraq figures out how to establish and embrace and government of the people and by the people. These guys are on the tip of the exploding spear, and I can't say enough about their quiet courage and professionalism." (Courtesy photo)