Colorado AF Reservists deploy amidst new Middle East mission, loved one's tears

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Approximately 125 Colorado Air Force Reservists were met with high emotions and expectations Sept. 8-9 as they deployed to the Middle East.

The AF Reservists, assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing here, begin a four-month deployment where they will support operations with four C-130 Hercules aircraft within the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Before they could depart, however, they were met with their first, true challenge: how to say goodbye to family and loved ones.

"One of the hardest things about leaving is saying goodbye to my girlfriend," said Capt. Wynn Pfeiffer, 731st Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules pilot. "I'm just looking forward to get over there and getting the job done and coming home. It's been a long summer and lot of preparation so I'm at that point where I'm ready to go."

Loved ones and family members were also feeling the pain of seeing their loved ones off for 120 days.

"I'm feeling really sad because my dad is leaving," said Melani James, 10, daughter of Tech. Sgt. Jamie Romero, a 302nd Maintenance Squadron propulsion technician. "When he gets back, I'll throw him a party."

Jesse Roberge, the boyfriend of the 731st Airlift Squadron's 1st Lt. Sarah Morrison, said he was proud of her.

"She's going to do a great job; she's been looking forward to deploying," he said of his girlfriend, a C-130 pilot. "We'll keep in contact the best we can over e-mail and Skype."

The departure of AF Reservists Sept. 9 from this southern Colorado installation brings the approximate number of 302nd AW members deploying overseas in this package to 150. A smaller group departed Sept. 4 with one C-130 Hercules to prepare a Southwest Asian base for the overall group's arrival. During the group's deployment, the Airmen are expecting to deliver supplies and equipment, as well as U.S. and coalition forces, in and out of countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

During various missions, the 302nd AW members will support Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.

"Our aircrews and maintainers are well-trained and ready to go," said Col. Jay Pittman, 302nd AW commander. "I expect our members will be quite busy given the great need for C-130 airlift support throughout Southwest Asia."

This deployment marks the third of its kind since 2005 for aircrew and maintenance personnel. Other organizations within the 302nd AW, including security forces and civil engineers, have deployed to northern Iraq during that timeframe. The wing has also supported numerous individual deployments throughout Southwest Asia.

The Airmen are expected to return from this deployment in January 2011.

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