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Security Forces deploys once again

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Michael V. Stewart
  • 178th Security Forces
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word deploy as "to spread out (persons or forces) systematically over an area." To seventeen members of the 178th Security Forces Squadron, presently deployed to Southwest Asia, the word can be defined as family separation, missed loved ones, extreme heat, days and nights mixed between excitement and boredom, but most of all the willingness and commitment to SERVE.

In a recent correspondence with TSgt Eric Winters (deployed), he states; "Amazingly, time has been going by fairly quickly. We've been here for almost two months now and it doesn't feel like it. I do enjoy (it) here overall, and I think the others do, too. I would enjoy a drink; however, I think I can live without it for another several months."

According to an article written in the Air Force Times, "Among Air Force Specialty Codes, the jobs that take airmen outside the wire -- security forces, explosive ordnance disposal and tactical air control party -- topped the most-deployed list."

Although we as security forces are aware of the high probability of deploying it does not damper our desire to put "Service before Self." The United States Air Force Core Values (little blue book) states that service before self-places professional duties over personal desires. We take great pride in being part of something greater than ourselves.

This is evident in the display of flags hanging in our classroom. Each time we deploy to another country we hang that nations flag in our classroom to serve as a continuous reminder of our service. We currently display the flags of sixteen nations, and will be adding one more upon the return of our troops this spring.

January 2009 UTA, we once again, had troops volunteering to be deployed to various locations throughout the world.

I know that this commitment to serve is not unique to the security forces. Many organizations across the base can speak of similar feelings and commitments. This is what makes it so special belonging to the 178th Fighter Wing. I am blessed to be around people that are willing to sacrifice their own desires to execute their professional duties.