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The following was submitted by the Massachusetts National Guard:
Tech. Sgt. Jose Barada, a Swampscott native and a respiratory therapist at Winchester Hospital, recently returned from a two-week deployment for training at Yokota Air Base, Japan, where he served with the Massachusetts Air National Guard.
Barada serves as a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) specialist with the 102nd Civil Engineer Squadron (CES), within the Massachusetts Air National Guard.
From July 1–12, he joined fellow Airmen in completing key construction and infrastructure projects as part of the National Guard Bureau’s deployment for training (DFT) program. Working alongside their active-duty counterparts from the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, the 102nd CES team gained hands-on experience while supporting real-world base improvements.
“The primary purpose of this DFT is to allow our Airmen to work together as one team and to work on projects that we wouldn’t normally get to work on,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Andrieu, the 102nd CES commander. “It allows us to integrate with the active duty and get a little perspective on how they work and operate. It gives us that opportunity to integrate as a total force.”
During the deployment, Airmen strengthened technical skills while contributing lasting improvements to Yokota Air Base. As the supervisor of the HVAC/R shop, Barada led his team in installing three new mini-split air conditioning units in leadership offices and K-9 workspaces, improving climate control in key operational areas.
The team also diagnosed refrigerant leaks, repaired faulty compressors and completed electrical and plumbing upgrades, providing critical hands-on experience in system troubleshooting and refrigerant handling. These missions provide valuable experience and help build both confidence and capability across the force.
Barada’s participation highlights the essential role of employers in supporting National Guard members. By providing the flexibility to serve, companies like Winchester Hospital enable dedicated employees to enhance their leadership, technical expertise and crisis-response skills, bringing that value back to the workplace and community. Employer support is a cornerstone of the National Guard’s mission readiness.
