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Dover reservists help defend base in Iraq

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 512th Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Eleven security forces reservists from here deployed to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, in early January.

The 512th Airlift Wing Airmen will be assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. They will provide base defense operations such as perimeter security, entry control and patrol the base.

"The majority wanted to deploy and were psyched when they heard the news," said Tech. Sgt. William Yoder, 512th SFS unit training manager. "We try to instill upon them to remember what they are taught and take their training seriously. We want the training to be the hard part and for all of them to come back as a team."

The reservists attended 90 days of training in Mineral Wells, Texas, in preparation for their deployment. Although they range in rank from senior airman to master sergeant, this is the first deployment for most of them, according to Sergeant Yoder.

"The members of the 512th SFS are excited that they finally have the chance to deploy as a team to the AOR (area of responsibility)," said Master Sgt. Ron McCoy, 512th SFS operations manager. "The unit has supported the fight on terrorism by augmenting active-duty here, and now they are stepping up and embracing this new challenge."

Col. Randal L. Bright, 512th AW commander, visited with the Airmen and their families before they left Dover AFB.

"We are proud of you, and we won't forget you or your families while you're gone," said Colonel Bright. "You couldn't do what you are about to do without your families' support. Your families are just important to us as you are."

The city of Kirkuk is about 250 kilometers north of Baghdad and has more than 750,000 residents.

The air base, located at the edge of Kirkuk, also hosts the Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division. During any given Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation, about 900 active-duty Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members are assigned to the 506th AEG. On average, Air Force deployments last four to six months. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)