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Military Matters: Getting The Job Done In Bitter Cold

Story Published: Jan 23, 2013 at 5:39 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 23, 2013 at 7:38 PM EDT

The mission continues at Fort Drum despite the bitter cold. 

Soldiers and civilians have to get the job done everyday.

The temperature was 8 below zero at Fort Drum, but a C-17 airplane had to be loaded with 45 tons of equipment.

Pallets were filled, padlocked and moved to the airport tarmac. 

There was very little time to get the job done. 

The plane was set to leave for Afghanistan Wednesday night.

"We do it in rain, snow, cold temperatures, hot temperatures, all temperatures, all times of the year," said Paul Williams, transportation technician supervisor.

The soldiers and civilians were dressed in layers to stay warm.

"We get thermal gear issued to us yearly," said A1C Matthew Rico of the U.S. Air Force.

The cold created other challenges on post. 

Plumbers were repairing a water main break after isolating the problem.

It's all in a day's work, no matter what the temperature is.

"I'm feeling very cold, but I feel quite comfortable because I'm dressed up like a summer sausage and I've got a lot of layers on," said plumber Matthew Paige.

Everyone we spoke with Wednesday said they were grateful the wind had died down and the sun was shining because that made it feel warmer than - 8.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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