Aerial Port Airmen return from deployment

  • Published
  • By Maj. Cynthia Harris
  • 445th Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Family, friends and co-workers gathered at the Dayton International Airport September 16 for the return of four members of the 445th Airlift Wing's 87th Aerial Port Squadron. The Airmen were greeted with cheers and welcome home signs after returning from a 120-day deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq. 

While waiting for their dad's airplane to arrive, Vernon, Nathan, AJ and Amelia, children of Senior Airman Steven Sherman, were happy and excited as they eagerly awaited his arrival. This excitement was shared by his older sister, Margaret Turner. "I'm so happy, so proud." 

Not only was Airman Sherman greeted by family, but a crowd of more than a dozen co-workers from the Five Rivers Metroparks were on hand to welcome him home. Airman Sherman serves as a conservation crew supervisor for the parks. 

"His absence left a big hole. We're proud of him." "... Absolutely glad he's back safe and sound. We're looking forward to having him back and hearing stories," said Kristen Leuer, Five Rivers Metroparks employee. 

More than 50 squadron members deployed to Southwest Asia this spring and will be returning throughout the month of September. While deployed, the Airmen were responsible for moving cargo and passengers to various Areas of Responsibility. They conducted ramp functions and commercial tender to get people, equipment and supplies where they needed to be. 

Tech. Sgt. Tracy Sease said the deployment was a good learning experience. "It was a good time to grow together as a unit." While deployed Sergeant Sease and his team were responsible for processing cargo and completing other aerial port functions.
For Master Sgt. Larry Adams, 87th Aerial Port Squadron, self evaluation quality control non-commissioned officer in charge, the employment was beneficial. 

"It's nice to be back home, but deploying made me feel like I was doing my part. Being in a real-world AOR was a great experience that can only be gained if you're deployed. For reservists it's beneficial to be in a real world environment and not just training. As reservists we always train for this, but it's good to actually experience it."
T
his was the sergeant's second deployment so he didn't encounter anything unexpected. But for the Airmen who never deployed, it took some getting used to. He encourages Airmen to deploy to get real-world experience. 

The 445th Airlift Wing has deployed more than 200 Airmen in support of ongoing military operations around the world this year.