Maxwell deployers get VIP sendoff Published Jan. 18, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Sandi Percival 908th Airlift Wing MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- After months of training, processing and planning, more than 100 members of the 908th Airlift Wing said goodbye to family and friends here as they deployed to Southwest Asia in support of airlift operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The first group left Jan. 6 and the second four days later. "We've been preparing for this deployment for more than a year," said Tech. Sgt Dwayne Curtis, logistics planner for the 908th Airlift Wing. "A lot of work went into making sure they were ready to go out the door." Processing the deployers included the scheduling and conducting of all necessary training, fulfilling medical and legal requirements and preparing the loads of equipment for transport prior to deployment. It took a team effort of the entire wing to make it all possible, and the departure received a grand sendoff. The last of the deployers flew out C-130s Jan. 10 after a farewell gathering attended by Lt. Gen. David Fadock, commander of Air University, Col. Trent Edwards, commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing and U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers and Martha Roby, who expressed their thanks for the Airmen's commitment and sacrifice. "I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart thank you for what you do," an emotional Roby said. "To the wives and husbands and children of all of you leaving today, we're here for you during this deployment and we want you to call on us if there is ever anything we can do to make this time less burdensome for you." Rogers said that he is honored to represent members of the 908th, and wished them a safe deployment. After the warm words of praise, the deploying Airmen bid farewell to their loved ones and boarded the C-130s. The Airmen will be deployed about four months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. "During 2010, the last time you deployed down range, you flew more than 2,100 combat hours, moved 4,000 tons of cargo, and almost 13,000 troops," Col. Brett Clark, wing commander, said to the deployers. "Recently, I had the pleasure of presenting an award celebrating your 42 years of mishap-free flight safety. That is an amazing accomplishment considering the risks and challenges you face on a daily basis. It speaks to who you are as professional Airmen and your level of excellence. You are an incredible team with one hell of a record of mission success. It's your time to enrich the legacy of the 908th. Let's ensure we send a clear message, that we are an organization like no other. "Go make it happen."