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64th AEG defenders use total force to flawlessly accomplish deployed mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Carolyn Viss
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  More than 300 miles away from the headquarters of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, a group of 180 security forces specialists defend and support a Southwest Asia base comprised of total force military and civilian servicemembers.

Among the defenders in this six-month rotation are 13 Guamanians - members of the Guam Air National Guard - and a large number of Iowans, who have left their disaster-stricken state to come do their part in the Global War on Terror.

"This is the very first deployment for our Guam Airmen," said Col. Willie Braggs III, 64th Air Expeditionary Group commander deployed from Tulsa, Okla. "They're super excited."

Although the security forces squadron in Guam stood up only three years ago, this bunch of deployers is "talented and motivated" according to the group command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Clyde Glick, an Idaho Air National Guardsman.

"What's unique about the [group] is most bases in the [U.S. Air Forces Central] area of responsibility are heavy on active duty members and supported by guardsmen, reservists and civilians," Colonel Braggs said. "We're the opposite. This just shows that the 'total force' concept does work. The culture is still dynamic, and there's no drop in Air Force standards; yet, each brings uniqueness and cultural differences that make us succeed as a whole."

The same camaraderie that binds the deployed unit here together keeps a few Iowans emotionally tied to their home stations as well. The current flooding throughout the state is normally something an ANG unit would respond to; but, instead, members here are keeping in mind that their federal obligation is as important as their state obligation.

"It's hard," said Senior Airman Mathew Leicester, a security forces member from Sioux City, Iowa. "A lot of us here wish we were back at home helping out with the flood damage and everything that's going on. It's tough to know that we are over here when our friends and family need us back there."

Thankfully, none of his family or friends were hurt or affected by what went on with all the storms, he said, but "I know there are people here who were affected, and it's not easy for them. They want to be back home with the rest of their brothers-in-arms ... getting things back to how they should be."

Staff Sgt. Megan Thiele agreed.

"I wish I was able to be home to help support that side of the state, but I know we have good people back home from both the Sioux City and Des Moines units doing a great job. I also have a younger brother in the Army National Guard who is helping the state at this time, and he told me that he 'has it all handled.'"

From working a tower to working in a search pit, the Airmen of the 64 AEG are accomplishing the mission: providing force protection for the host nation national guard and base operating support integration.

"I couldn't be more proud of these Airmen," Colonel Braggs said. "When we're having a bad day, all we have to do is go out and visit with the Airmen. They're the muscle and force behind those who are engaging in a strategic partnership with [the host nation]. They're motivated. They know they're fulfilling their obligation to the Air Force and their country."