Wing Members Deploy to Middle East

by Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Gaston,  94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs,

Over 100 Airmen from Dobbins Air Reserve Base deployed to the Middle East, departing on four C-130 aircraft in a series of send-off ceremonies that concluded Monday.

The 94th Airlift Wing transitioned from Air Education and Training Command to Air Mobility Command in 2011. This is the first major deployment for the flying mission at Dobbins since before the wing joined AETC in 1999.

C-130 aircrews and maintainers will serve a critical role in delivering cargo and personnel in and out of austere and unimproved landing zones. This mission will be in direct support of contingency operations in the Middle East. 

"You are ready," said Col. Timothy E. Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander. "You joined the Air Force Reserve knowing that this day would come, and this is that historic day."

Also in attendance at the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Wallace W. Farris Jr., 22nd Air Force commander. Farris acknowledged the importance of preparation for the conditions that Airmen will face while deployed. 

The General also stressed the importance of good wingmanship and strong family support.  "When you're over there, you're a band of brothers and sisters," said Farris. "Take care of each other."

Members of the Airmen and Family Readiness Office distributed information on deployment, stress and various initiatives for spouses on the home front. One such initiative is the Yellow Ribbon Program.

"Yellow Ribbon is a good way to link with other spouses that know what you're going through," said Kenddal Walles, a volunteer for the Family Readiness Office and spouse within the 94th Airlift Wing. "It's a resource when you need it, and spouses won't feel that they're just out there treading water."

Spouses of deploying Airmen praised the Family Support Office and the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is a Department of Defense-wide effort to promote the well-being of National Guard and Reserve members, their families and communities by connecting them with resources throughout the deployment cycle. 

"Yellow ribbon events are phenomenal," said Dixie Bryson, wife of a deploying Airman. "I think everybody should go to those. You learn so much you didn't know, especially if they've never been deployed before."

The ceremony was followed by an opportunity for Airmen to say their final farewells to family and friends before they began out-processing, loading the aircraft and boarding for departure. 

As the C-130s taxied to the runway for takeoff, family, friends, and members of the 94th Airlift Wing assembled on the flightline to wave at the passing planes. 

The wing also received support from Congressman Phil Gingery, who was in attendance and gave words of encouragement to the members of the wing.

Congressman Gingery presented an American flag to the wing that had been flown over the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Gingery asked that the flag be flown over the area of responsibility and returned home with the 94th Airlift Wing.

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