302nd SFS defenders continue contributions to 'Iraqi Freedom'

  • Published
  • By Stephen J. Collier
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Approximately 80 security forces Airmen said their final goodbyes and gave their last hugs before departing July 27 for the Persian Gulf. As the months have drifted by serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, those security forces share their story.
 
These frontline Airmen, assigned to the 302nd Security Forces Squadron here, have taken up defensive positions, donned their protective gear and performed routine security checks for Forward Operating Base Warrior at the Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq. With this much responsibility weighing on the Citizen Airmen's shoulders, one could only fathom their first thoughts upon arriving in the Arabian country. 

"It's freakin' hot here," Staff Sgt. Steven Howell, a fire team member with the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Kirkuk, wrote in an e-mail. "With the heat and all our battle rattle on, we felt [the heat] right away. Since putting boots on the ground, the first big challenge was getting used to the heat, but that didn't stop us from hitting the ground running. We were all eager to take over the mission and show the leadership here at [Kirkuk] what the 302nd SFS can do."

Sergeant Howell, a Colorado Springs native, is deployed for the first time to Southwest Asia. When not wearing his Air Force uniform, Sergeant Howell is Officer Howell as a corrections officer for the state of Colorado. The fire team member, who typically fills the roll of 302nd SFS combat arms training manager, said the mission he and his fellow Airmen are forming is important.

"We're protecting lives," he wrote. "Once that plane lands, an Army convoy returns, or anyone that comes to this base entrust us with their lives. We stand that post and do our patrols knowing that we're defending others against attacks."

And his sentiments are echoed by fellow security forces members, including Maj. Dave Lehrman, commanding officer of the 506th ESFS's alpha sector. 

"We are providing a safe and secure environment and base of operations [here]," the major said. "We're performing well and making [302nd Airlift Wing members] proud each and every day. We brought the spirit of the 302nd AW and its leadership with us."

But these Airmen do miss the little things they leave behind. For Major Lehrman, it's an assortment of southern cuisine, including Mexican food, tortillas and green chili chicken enchiladas. As for Sergeant Howell, it's a tad different.

"For me, its being with my family and playing with my daughter. Also, driving my own car. Yes, driving something that I can adjust a seat on. I do miss the food at Chipotles."

The security forces members want to share their story with not only their family members, but also with members of their home communities who may not fully understand their contributions to the global war on terror. Major Lehrman said his Airmen wear the uniform and do the things they're asked of "because most people won't or can't do it."
 
"I would say that everyone here, including Air Force and Army members, as well as civilians, are making an extraordinary sacrifice being away from home and family with little complaint. They do it for those who can't or will not wear the uniform, they do it for every American and they do it for the residents of Colorado Springs," he said.

In e-mails and phone conversations from home, the security forces members know they are missed at home.

"Being at the half way point, the spouses are ready for us to come home," Sergeant Howell wrote. "I can't speak for other spouses, but I know along the same lines the spouses have had a tough go with taking care of the little ones, running the households and working full-time jobs. Yes, they are definitely ready for us to come home."

And the children?

"They're ready for us to come home too," Sergeant Howell wrote. "Hi Shila, daddy loves you!"

The deployed security forces members are projected to redeploy to Colorado in early 2009.

For more on what's happening in the 302nd Airlift Wing, check our Web site at www.302aw.afrc.af.mil.