Engineers build sets for high school production

by 2nd Lt. Abraham Richardson
15th Engineer Battalion, 21st Theater Sustainment Command

U.S. Army photo Spc. Brandon Barrett, Pvt. Diallo Young and Sgt. Allen Clapper make stage props for Vilseck High School’s production of “The  Little Mermaid.” The Soldiers are assigned to the 902nd Vertical Construction Company, 15th Engineer Battalion, of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 18th Engineer Brigade.
U.S. Army photo
Spc. Brandon Barrett, Pvt. Diallo Young and Sgt. Allen Clapper make stage props for Vilseck High School’s production of “The
Little Mermaid.” The Soldiers are assigned to the 902nd Vertical Construction Company, 15th Engineer Battalion, of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 18th Engineer Brigade.

VILSECK, Germany — Soldiers with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 15th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Brigade, put their carpentry skills to use in April constructing stage props for Vilseck High School’s production of “The Little Mermaid.”

“There is nothing better than putting the knowledge and skills of your military occupation specialty to use for a good cause,” said Warrant Officer Carlene S. Davis, officer in charge of the project and a member of the 902nd Vertical Construction Company of the 15th Engineer Bn. “It started with a hunt for volunteer opportunities for Soldiers to stay proficient in MOS fields. What we got was a rewarding and fun way to give back to our community.”

The high school performed a theatrical version of “The Little Mermaid” on the first and second weekends of May.

Sgt. Allen Clapper, Spc. Brandon Barrett, Spc. Deandre Gavin and Pvt. Diallo Young used their creativity and carpentry skills to create stage scenes.

King Triton’s throne, a little love boat, a ship, sea floor rocks, sea floor waves, Ariel’s grotto (hideout), Ursula’s cauldron and coral reefs were among the creations.

“The project was estimated to cost well over $1,200,” Davis said. “The Soldiers, however, worked with old, recyclable materials, bringing the cost down to only $508. In the end, the project was both an exciting and rewarding way to get our Soldiers engaged in their MOS related skills and in the community.”