An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

AFDW civilian plays critical role in carrying out Air Force's expeditionary mission

  • Published
  • By Aletha Frost
  • AFDW/Public Affairs
Air Force District of Washington --  Civilian employees play a vital role in supporting DoD contingency operations. Those who answer the call to deploy consider it an honor and privilege to support the war fighter as a member of the Civilian Expeditionary Workforce.

Michael A. D'Amico, a civilian employee with the Air Force District of Washington will soon be deploying to take advantage of the CEW.

The CEW is a subset of the civilian workforce that is organized, trained and equipped to deploy in support of military combat operations, humanitarian and disaster relief missions, as well as other contingencies.

"Mr. D'Amico is an awesome engineer with lots of experience," said Dr. Mike Hassan, AFDW Command Civil Engineer. "His experience will contribute to the overall mission. Whether rebuilding power grids, bridges, water systems or any public work utilities, Mr. D'Amico's expertise will be essential in making a dent in the U.S. effort to rebuild Afghanistan's infrastructure."

The seasoned retired Army Lieutenant Colonel has more than 35 years of experience in the Army Corps of Engineers and Public Works. He will work closely with the provincial reconstruction teams for one year to restore and build the much-needed public works infrastructure in Afghanistan.

Living up to the Air Force core value of "Service before Self" was not an easy decision for Mr. D'Amico. Like service members, civilians also face the same issues of leaving behind family and loved ones to heed the call of duty.

"As the chief of readiness and emergency management, I am responsible for ensuring that AFDW Airmen are trained and ready to deploy," said Mr. D'Amico. "I want to experience and see what I  am sending the AFDW Airmen into. The CEW affords me the opportunity to do just that and to be able to say that I have experienced what they have experienced."

Prior to deploying, Mr. D'Amico must complete two phases of mandatory training for civilians: the Combat Skills Training at Joint Base McGuire, N.J., and another five-day course at Camp Atterbury, Ind.

"CST is no different for civilians than for the military," he said. "We all attend the 10-day CST at Joint Base McGuire and age is not a factor. You are required to be in good shape both physically and mentally to get through the course. The most challenging portion of CST for me wasn't so much the training, but the weather. It was hot the entire time, but I made it through by relying on my Army experience and remembering why I volunteered to participate in the CEW."

As of May 2010, the Air Force has deployed 160 civilian volunteers to deploy side-by-side with service members, to provide critical support to complex reconstruction operations that require combined teams of joint military and civilian personnel to support the War on Global Terrorism.

For more information and civilians interested in participating in deploying visit CEW.