Scott Civil Engineers put skills to good use Published May 12, 2016 By Airman 1st Class Gwendalyn Smith 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Members of the 375th Civil Engineering Squadron recently volunteered four days of their off-duty time to build a wheelchair ramp for Belleville couple Robert and Carol Ripley. Robert is recovering from surgery for an amputation of his lower leg due to complications of diabetes and would have been unable to return home until a ramp was built at his residence. Robert said he wasn't sure building a ramp would be accomplished until he received a phone call from Tech. Sgt. Owl'n Williams, 375th CES pavement and equipment craftsman, saying he wanted to help him out. Denver Williams, a neighbor of the Ripley couple, found out about the their need and reached out to members of his church to see if they knew any carpenters who could build a wheelchair ramp for them. Raymond Deck, a member of that church, contacted the 375th CES to see if they could offer assistance. "The Ripley family was in need, and being a CES member I knew we had carpenters, so I asked if they would like to do it," said Deck, 375th CES installation management flight chief. "The CE squadron has a long history in volunteering with these community projects." The volunteers worked over a period of four days due to the weather, sacrificing their time both after work and on the weekend. "They are all very skillful in their jobs and were more than willing to help," said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Rothenhoefer, the project's co-lead. "It's important to volunteer and help others when you can." Robert said the work done to build the ramp was outstanding and that the volunteers had a superb work ethic, and he couldn't have been more appreciative. "We were surprised, elated and very blessed with this tremendous gift," Robert said. Carol added, "I saw progress daily and Robert saw it for the first time April 22, when he came home from the hospital. He was completely overwhelmed, especially at the 35 foot length. "We are not sure if the wheelchair is permanent or not, but he is looking forward to a prosthesis and has started the healing process."