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ROCK SOLID WARRIOR

  • Published
  • 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airman 1st Class Kendell Grant Jr. 

Unit: 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron 

Job: Vehicle Operator Home unit: 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. 

How do you support the mission here? My unit transports sustainment cargo and equipment in and out of Iraq. To accomplish this, my 14-man convoy team, along with a 13-man Army gun truck team and 28-35 Foreign Nations come together to accomplish one goal, which is to provide critical cargo support to all coalition forces in Iraq. Our missions last anywhere from five to 15 days operating outside the wire in Iraq; by working together with our Army brothers and sisters, we get the job done. 

How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my first deployment but definitely not my last. I find that the one unique thing about my deployment is working side by side with the United States Army. Working with the Army has been an adjustment with different terminologies, but that's something we have adapted to while maintaining our Air Force core competencies.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? As a vehicle operator at home station, my mission basically consists of distinguished visitor support, tractor trailer runs, aircrew and passenger movement. The deployed aspect of my job is focused on one area in which armored tractor trailer line haul missions are delivering much needed supplies in a wartime environment, all while protecting the cargo as well as third country nationals.