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Activated security forces reservists deploy to Iraq

  • Published
  • By Brian Magaña
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  On Aug. 2, the third and final 419th Security Forces Squadron team deployed for Kirkuk, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Thirty-five 419th SFS reservists joined people in other Air Force Reserve Command and Regular Air Force units to monitor base defense during the six-month deployment. The first two 419th SFS teams left for Kirkuk in July.

The Airmen will guard the base's main gate and towers. Other duties include responding to law enforcement incidents or threats as part of the base's Quick Reaction Force.

"Their job is protecting our forces," said Lt. Col. Michael Cutter, 419th SFS commander. Their job is to prevent insurgents from carrying out their plans, he said.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark Maes, NCO in charge of the squadron in Kirkuk, said the troops' presence helps provide stability to northern Iraq.

"Our work here allows the base to function securely," Sergeant Maes said. "There are a lot of decisions that have to be made very quickly in response to any threats to the airfield."

The mission is always his troops' top priority, and their day-to-day duties are essential in the Global War on Terrorism, Colonel Cutter added.

"The Airmen who went over there from the 419th believe in our mission in Iraq," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Olsen, who deployed Aug. 2. "It's not that they're just going to the do their job. They believe in it, and that's their motivator."

Sergeant Olsen said the overall attitude of the deployed Airmen is positive.

"They believe they're supporting the people and liberating the people and maintaining their security," Sergeant Olsen said.

Sergeant Maes is also impressed with the Airmen's attitudes in Kirkuk.

"I haven't heard a negative comment yet," Sergeant Maes said. "Obviously everyone misses their families, but they all remain positive."

Colonel Cutter attributes the positive attitudes to the Airmen's desire to support the mission, even before the unit was activated. Sergeant Olsen said they wanted to go, but the opportunity had not arisen until the recent activation.

"It was our turn," Sergeant Olsen said. "We have a lot of people who are motivated and want to do this. We would have all signed up without having to be activated."

This is the second activation and the fourth deployment for the unit since Sept. 11, 2001.

Sergeant Olsen, who served during a tour to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, said the 419th SFS has a history of making positive changes wherever it deploys, often participating in humanitarian efforts on days off.

"You come back saying, 'The people loved us, we got to know the people, we were successful in our mission, we felt like we were doing something productive,'" Olsen said.

Colonel Cutter is convinced this group will continue the legacy.

"We have provided the best training and we're sending the most qualified people that we can over to do the mission," Colonel Cutter said.

The reservists are due to return home in early January. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)