Local Voices
One Airman's experience; a letter from abroad
Always Ready, Always There. Military members from the 111th Attack Wing talk about their deployment experience. This is just one.
A Letter from Abroad
by 111th Attack Wing member...
Before deploying, I had never seen “dust” as part of a weather forecast; and my mainly mid-Atlantic upbringing had defined “excessively hot” as anything hovering around the 100 degree-mark -- when in order to survive you resort to shorts and a tank top even in the sanctuary of air conditioning.
Here in Southwest Asia, where I walk a path of rocks and sand to the dining facility in uniform twice a day, my new threshold for “uncomfortably warm” has risen to 110 degrees -- 109 is hot, but 110 can be stifling. Sometimes when leaving the cool comfort of a restaurant or a sparkling shopping mall off base, the heat hits you like you’ve marched into a wall of humidity.
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But even with the intense temperature and nonstop bustle, there is a serene charm to this region that envelops you. Hearing the call to prayer echo across the city as the sun slips behind the horizon is a beautiful representation of the culture that defines this nation and is very different from my own.
While loyal to deep-rooted tradition, this nation is also relentless in its evolution: shaping contemporary architecture and influencing worldwide cuisine - each with unmatched luxury.
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But I don’t have to leave base for personally enriching experiences. Here at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, we embody both the definition and the spirit of joint and coalition operations. We work, live and relax alongside our coalition partners, as well as our Army, Navy and Marine Corps brethren. The Air Force contingent itself epitomizes Total Force Integration, where active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen collaborate seamlessly every day when planning, preparing and executing missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Whether it’s grabbing a meal at the Army-operated DFAC [dining facility] or exchanging best practices with our multinational counterparts over coffee, here at the 380th we know we are one team regardless of uniform; and that no matter our job description we contribute to the 24/7 cadence that defines the Wing.
The 380 AEW’s day-to-day rhythm is an example of what fuels missions across the U.S. Air Force. Delivering decisive airpower, defending the region and developing partnerships, the 380th is one of the few Wings to perform each of the Air Force’s five core missions. Acclimating to that rhythm and discovering where you fit can be challenging, yet fulfilling; and while there’s a pattern to each day, each day is different.
So while deploying can be an uncomfortable, demanding and yes even an intimidating experience, there’s nothing healthier or more satisfying than defying the boundaries of your personal comfort zone, while contributing to a noble and necessary mission bigger than yourself.