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Cool Tools TV show features 202nd REDHORSE Squadron

  • Published
  • By Mr. John Myatt
  • FLNG Public Affairs
The DIY Network visited members of the Florida National Guard's 202nd REDHORSE Squadron at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center Jan. 8 to produce an episode highlighting the unique tools and equipment used by the military. --  

"Cool Tools," a fast-paced showcase of the most fascinating, useful, gee-whiz tools on the market, "wanted to focus an entire episode on military tools, vehicles, gadgets, and paraphernalia while shooting all the segments at a military base," according to the show's producer, John Pauley. "We wanted to shoot various tools and general cool stuff that the troops use to 'get the job done.'"

The show started the week filming Army Guard activities at Cecil Field before moving on to the REDHORSE on Wednesday. From early morning till sundown, the crew crawled over and around various vehicles and tools used for runway repair, building construction and vehicle maintenance.

Although more than 20 Airmen appeared on camera, Senior Master Sgt. James Householder had a major speaking role as the Cool Tools crew taped the construction of a "K-Span" building from step one through completion.

Col. Jack Paschal, 202nd REDHORSE Squadron commander spent two days as an advisor to the producer, explaining how the Guard works and providing operational background.

"It was a great experience...our people had a wonderful time," he said. "We hope that the national exposure this show provides for the Air Guard will help the public understand who we are and what we do, and that we also enjoy some potential recruiting benefit."

Grundy, the show's high-energy host said he was energized by the Soldiers and Airmen he worked with. "We worked some long hours putting the show together, but there was no sadness or whining...no one was saying 'I don't want to go to work today.' They were excited and wanted to show me things and what they can do with them," he said. "That's what I do in my profession -- I like to show people what they can do with tools, and I get excited about it too."