Lincoln's Landing to open pedestrian gate Published Aug. 27, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Civil Engineer Squadron is scheduled to finish construction on a new pedestrian gate Oct. 1, and with its debut also comes an opportunity for a Mascoutah High School student to help his community. Tyler Roman, at 16 years old, is taking on the task of installing a sidewalk on the Lincoln's Landing housing development side of the gate to make accessing it easier for residents. "I want to be a part of something that 30 years from now is still a part of the community," said Roman. This new route will make it possible for Lincoln's Landing residents who work on base to get to work quicker by walking or bicycling. It's estimated the morning traffic at the Belleville Gate will be reduced because of this added convenience. The pedestrian gate located behind the community center offers 24-hour gate access exclusively to Lincoln's Landing residents with a valid ID card. Simply register with Security Forces to enable access. Registration began at the beginning of August and about 150 residents have currently registered. Roman wants to be an Eagle Scout, and building this sidewalk is a part of the requirement to attain that designation. The Eagle Scout Service Project is the chance for a scout in the Boy Scouts of America to demonstrate leadership of others while carrying out a project for the benefit of his community. This is no small feat, and it requires scouts and volunteers like Roman to assist. Earning Eagle Scout rank shows that he is community-minded, responsible, and a dedicated individual. He is also involved in cross-country meets and aspires to earn a commission in the military. "When Tyler heard that there were no budgeted funds for the much needed sidewalk on the Lincoln's Landing side, he immediately started looking into the feasibility of taking on this project and submitting it to the Lewis and Clark Council for approval," said Joanne Carlon, 375th CES housing manager. The Lewis and Clark Council is the local entity of 280 councils across the United States chartered by the National Council, Boy Scouts of America. The idea of creating a sidewalk as Roman's service project came from his want to affect the base community he and his family have been a part of the past six years. His mother retired from the Air Force and his family has since moved off base, but he feels this is just one way he can show his appreciation "to the military members living in Lincoln's Landing who give up so much to protect and defend our country." Roman has a lot to consider as this project comes together, including building the framework to pour the gravel into, how deep to dig the holes for the concrete, and coordinating the labor and supplies needed on weekends. Maj. Brad Bucholz, the operations flight commander for 375th CES, and an Eagle Scout himself, is working with Roman to ensure he has covered the numerous aspects of planning a community project like this. Once Roman has finalized the plan, the Scott Family Housing Community Director, Michelle Oliver, will review it, ensuring it is cohesive with the maintenance Scott Family Housing will provide for the sidewalk in the future. Once Roman is given the green light to take on this project, the second phase of the project, which will be to raise funds and recruit volunteers to make his project a reality, will begin. The goal is to install the sidewalk this fall or spring.