Some reservists pull guard duty during holidays

Published Dec. 19, 2008
By Maj. Miki Kristina Gilloon
Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- More than 200 security forces Air Forces reservists are serving thousands of miles away from home at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, this holiday season.

"I feel confident that I am speaking for all of them when I say that all of us will walk away from this rotation with our head held high and a satisfaction of a job well done," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Cain, 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron manager. "Air Force Reserve Command has given us the opportunity to put years of training and practice into a unified, total force effort in fighting the War on Terrorism," said the chief from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.

Contrary to the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas poem in which "not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse," these frontline Airmen assigned to the 506th ESFS will be out and about, defending the base during the holidays.

"I will be working, doing post checks and visiting with our Airmen on the perimeter" said Maj. Dave Lehrman, commanding officer of the 506th ESFS alpha sector.

Major Lehrman along with about 80 security forces Airmen deployed from the 302nd Security Forces Squadron, Peterson AFB, Colo., in late July.

Since their arrival in Iraq, their mission has been to provide a safe and secure environment and base of operations.

"I'm proud to be here and proud of all of our people," the major said. "It is tough personally because I have two young kids ages 5 and 2. We will celebrate two Christmas's this season, and [the kids] will probably get a kick out of that."

The 506th ESFS, the largest squadron on Kirkuk, includes active-duty and Reserve Airmen from about 30 stateside and overseas units. Security forces Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command comprise most of the squadron's force. The squadron's mission ranges from K-9 dog patrols and Raven-B unmanned aircraft system and heavy-weapon missions, to law enforcement and force protection.

Despite long hours, Chief Cain said that the 506th Expeditionary Services Squadron does an outstanding job taking care of the health and morale of all the Airmen.

"From Bingo on Monday nights, Karaoke on Thursdays, to Friday night at the movies, there is something for everyone at Kirkuk," he said.

Even during the holidays, he said that the 506th ESVS will host a 5K Jingle Bell fun run and have extended hours on Christmas Day with traditional meal items. Also, the chapel is scheduled to hold religious services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Despite these creature comforts, the Airmen will still miss the little things that are special to them over the holidays.

"I will miss everything ... the hustle and bustle, shopping and family coming together from around the country, the smell of fireplaces, pine Christmas trees, Christmas dinner and children running around excited," said Tech. Sgt. Donald Beedle, 506th ESFS fire team leader.

"I suppose everyone would rather be home for the holidays," said Sergeant Beedle from the 944th Security Forces Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. "For some though, we make the most of this experience and consider this an 'opportunity' to be a part of history for both Iraq and the United States."

Staff Sgt. Teela Brown, a 506th ESFS radio telephone operator from the 349th SFS, Travis AFB, Calif., said that she will miss Christmas Eve with her extended family and is looking forward to her return home.

"I am extremely excited [about going home]," she said. "However, I will miss the friends I have made while being deployed. Out of the three times I have been deployed [here], this is by far the best of them all because of the support not only from the leadership, but the people who work next to you day in and day out is dramatically better."

Major Lehrman said all of the Airmen in the squadron are making extraordinary sacrifices by being away from home during the holidays.

"They are dedicated and resilient and are doing a tremendous job in adverse and stressful circumstances," he said.

With only a couple more months to go, he, too, is ready to reunite with his family.

"I can't wait to see my wife and kids," he said. "Also, I dropped off a '66 Mustang at the paint shop right before we left. It's all done and ready for me to drive home." (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)