JOINT BASE-LEWIS MCCHORD, Wash. - U.S. Army soldiers from the Washington National Guard's 176th Engineer Company (Vertical), Headquartered in Snohomish, Wash., used their construction skills during annual training to rebuild and improve recreational facilities for fellow soldiers and their family members on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 25, 2012.

The project was picked up by Capt. Matthew Weeks, Commander of the 176th Engineer Company (Vertical). Capt. Weeks, who also works as a Civil Engineer for the Department of Public Works saw this as an opportunity for his soldiers to affect the community in a positive way and enhance expertise in their job field.

Among other improvements, the soldiers rebuilt structures covering outdoor barbecue areas and installed new plumbing and wiring.

"One of the rewarding things about being in the construction trades is that you can step back and see the progress...and it's rewarding knowing it's going to get used. We've got this thing plumbed so you can have a serious party," said Capt. Matthew Weeks.