ORTING, Wash. – Members of the Washington Army National Guard are not only improving a community park; they are also engaging in valuable training that will benefit both domestic and overseas missions.
Spc. Pharez Telona, a plumber with the 176th Engineer Company, expressed the dual benefit: “I believe this isn’t just a way to give back to our community—it’s a way for us to sharpen our skills. This gives us hands-on experience, not only in our own specialty but also in others. I’ve learned a lot about carpentry, and that’s expanded my knowledge and abilities.”
In 2023, the city of Orting, home to fewer than 9,000 residents and located near Mt. Rainier, turned to a creative solution for construction projects in a new park. That solution was found in the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program.
Michelle Alfiere, Orting’s activities and events coordinator, outlined the collaborative effort: “Since the summer of 2023, we’ve been working closely with the 176th Engineer Company from the Washington Army National Guard to complete the paperwork for this. The whole process was great. Working with the unit and the Guard was a smooth and positive experience.”
The city’s project received approval in 2023, enabling Guard members from the 176th Engineer Company to contribute to the park during their annual training in the summer of 2024 and again from June 16 to June 27 of this year.
IRT is a unique Department of Defense initiative designed to provide real-world training for military units while offering significant benefits to underserved communities across the U.S. The program encompasses missions in health care, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity, among others.
Sgt. 1st Class Al Stockner, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Orting project, highlighted the importance of IRT. He stated, “IRT is what allows us to be here. It starts with the city submitting a request, and that sets the process in motion, allowing funding to be allocated.”
This program gives commanders realistic, mission-focused training that supports deployment readiness, while providing soldiers an opportunity to enhance their technical skills in hands-on environments. Stockner recalled a previous IRT project, saying, “I worked on the Rogue River project a few years ago, and without these types of projects, it would be extremely difficult for us to train effectively. Soldiers learn the basics in their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training, but projects like this expose them to real conditions and improve their craft.”
The civil engineering missions conducted under the IRT program cover both vertical and horizontal construction aspects. Vertical construction includes buildings, while horizontal projects focus on utilities, roadways, and runway improvements. Such projects also integrate critical systems like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical systems, providing comprehensive training across multiple trades.
For the city of Orting, a simple public restroom in the new park symbolizes much more for the community. Mayor Josh Penner, who also serves as a state representative for the 31st District, remarked on the project’s importance: “This bathroom project is incredibly important. This entire area used to be what we called a ‘problem property’—a place with crime and drug activity. Now, it’s transforming into a new housing development and a park that will serve the community for years to come.”
Penner expressed gratitude for the National Guard’s support through the IRT program, stating, “The Guard’s support through the IRT program has been tremendous. I’m really impressed with their professionalism, not just in their work but in meeting our timeline. Their attention to detail is second to none, and I’d love to see future collaborations.”
For the Guard members involved, the work they are undertaking carries a sense of pride that goes beyond mere training. Spc. Telona emphasized, “What we’re building isn’t just for us; it’s for our community. It shows that we care.”
image source from：army
