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Dobbins reservists deploy to Middle East

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Gaston
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  More than 100 reservists from Dobbins ARB deployed to the Middle East, departing on four C-130 aircraft in a series of send-off ceremonies that concluded May 7.

The 94th Airlift Wing transitioned from an Air Education and Training Command mission to an Air Mobility Command mission in 2011. This is the first major deployment for the flying mission at Dobbins since before the wing began the AETC training mission in 1999.

C-130 aircrews and maintainers will serve a critical role in delivering cargo and personnel in and out of austere and unimproved landing zones. This mission will be in direct support of contingency operations in the Middle East.

"You are ready," said Col. Timothy E. Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander. "You joined the Air Force Reserve knowing that this day would come, and this is that historic day."

Attending the ceremony with the wing commander was Maj. Gen. Wallace W. Farris Jr., 22nd Air Force commander. Farris acknowledged the importance of preparation for the conditions that Airmen will face while deployed.

The general stressed the importance of good "wingmanship" and strong family support.

"When you're over there, you're a band of brothers and sisters," said Farris. "Take care of each other."

Members of the Airmen and Family Readiness Office handed out information about deployments, stress and various initiatives for spouses on the home front. One of the initiatives is the Yellow Ribbon Program.

"Yellow Ribbon is a good way to link with other spouses who know what you're going through," said Kenddal Walles, a volunteer for the Family Readiness Office and a spouse of a 94th Airlift Wing reservist. "It's a resource when you need it, and spouses won't feel that they're just out there treading water."

Spouses of deploying Airmen praised the Family Support Office and the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is a Department of Defense-wide effort to promote the well-being of National Guard and Reserve members, their families and communities by connecting them with resources throughout the deployment cycle.

"Yellow ribbon events are phenomenal," said Dixie Bryson, wife of a deploying Airman. "I think everybody should go to those. You learn so much you didn't know, especially if they've never been deployed before."

After the ceremony, the deploying Airmen had an opportunity to say their final farewells to family and friends before they began out-processing, loading the aircraft and boarding for departure.

As the C-130s taxied to the runway for takeoff, the Airmen's families, friends, and fellow members of the wing assembled on the flightline to wave at the passing planes.

Before the Airmen left, Congressman Phil Gingery presented an American flag to the wing. He asked that it be flown overseas during the deployment and that the reservists return it when they came back home. The flag had flown over the U.S. Capitol.