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188th Security Forces Squadron deploys 13 Airmen to Middle East

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Josh Lewis
  • 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  It's no secret that the 188th Fighter Wing will see a lot of changes in upcoming years. Even with the uncertainty that surrounds the upcoming mission conversion, 188th Airmen perform a vital role in the overall security of the United States. The wing still deploys members to support various types of operations around the state and around the world.

It was for just such a mission that 13 Airmen from the 188th Fighter Wing's Security Forces Squadron deployed to the Middle East recently in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The first group of Security Forces Airmen left May 12 with the second group leaving May 13. While deployed, they will be attached to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, supporting installation and aircraft security. These Airmen are all volunteers filling open positions with the Air Expeditionary Force, and are expected to be deployed for six months.

"These guys have done a great job preparing," said Lt. Col. Troy Howerton, 188th Security Forces Squadron commander. "We've got some newly promoted Master Sergeants that have taken the bull by the horns and they've been on several deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and have a lot of experience to pass on to the younger guys."

These Airmen are very diverse in their deployment experience. Tech. Sgt. Travis Sharp has 17 years of service and said he volunteered for the deployment because it might be his last chance to deploy. Sharp previously deployed to Southwest Asia in 2008. Sharp said he isn't worried about the deployment, citing training and knowledge from his past experience as the reason why.

"I'm just a little bit nervous, but I'm looking forward to going over there, doing my job and coming back safely," said Tech. Sgt. Mike Rico, who is deploying for the first time.

While military families have each other to lean on, deployed members overseas can feel isolated from the struggles their loved ones are facing at home. To combat those challenges, the wing has programs in place to take care of the deployed members and their families. Staff Sgt. Cody McConnell said the 188th Airman and Family Readiness Office, which assists families throughout the deployment process, will help his wife shoulder the burden while he is away.

"It's different this time because I have a kid now," said Staff Sgt. Quincy Cherry, who is accomplishing his third deployment.

Many times the deployments can be just as difficult for families.

"It's never easy for the families as their loved ones deploy into a combat zone," said Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander. "We appreciate the service and sacrifices made by our Airmen as well as those made by their families. Our Security Forces Squadron has some of the most highly trained and capable Airmen in the Air Force. I have confidence that they will successfully complete their mission and make their unit and communities proud. Our Airmen have continued to show their dedication and professionalism in the face of adversity. We're proud of our defenders and we anxiously await their safe return."

188th Security Forces Squadron deploys 13 Airmen to Middle East

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Josh Lewis
  • 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  It's no secret that the 188th Fighter Wing will see a lot of changes in upcoming years. Even with the uncertainty that surrounds the upcoming mission conversion, 188th Airmen perform a vital role in the overall security of the United States. The wing still deploys members to support various types of operations around the state and around the world.

It was for just such a mission that 13 Airmen from the 188th Fighter Wing's Security Forces Squadron deployed to the Middle East recently in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The first group of Security Forces Airmen left May 12 with the second group leaving May 13. While deployed, they will be attached to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, supporting installation and aircraft security. These Airmen are all volunteers filling open positions with the Air Expeditionary Force, and are expected to be deployed for six months.

"These guys have done a great job preparing," said Lt. Col. Troy Howerton, 188th Security Forces Squadron commander. "We've got some newly promoted Master Sergeants that have taken the bull by the horns and they've been on several deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and have a lot of experience to pass on to the younger guys."

These Airmen are very diverse in their deployment experience. Tech. Sgt. Travis Sharp has 17 years of service and said he volunteered for the deployment because it might be his last chance to deploy. Sharp previously deployed to Southwest Asia in 2008. Sharp said he isn't worried about the deployment, citing training and knowledge from his past experience as the reason why.

"I'm just a little bit nervous, but I'm looking forward to going over there, doing my job and coming back safely," said Tech. Sgt. Mike Rico, who is deploying for the first time.

While military families have each other to lean on, deployed members overseas can feel isolated from the struggles their loved ones are facing at home. To combat those challenges, the wing has programs in place to take care of the deployed members and their families. Staff Sgt. Cody McConnell said the 188th Airman and Family Readiness Office, which assists families throughout the deployment process, will help his wife shoulder the burden while he is away.

"It's different this time because I have a kid now," said Staff Sgt. Quincy Cherry, who is accomplishing his third deployment.

Many times the deployments can be just as difficult for families.

"It's never easy for the families as their loved ones deploy into a combat zone," said Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander. "We appreciate the service and sacrifices made by our Airmen as well as those made by their families. Our Security Forces Squadron has some of the most highly trained and capable Airmen in the Air Force. I have confidence that they will successfully complete their mission and make their unit and communities proud. Our Airmen have continued to show their dedication and professionalism in the face of adversity. We're proud of our defenders and we anxiously await their safe return."