Air Force Fire Chief Reflects on 9/11 Anniversary, Career

Published Sept. 9, 2011
By Senior Airman Chuck Broadway
9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force/Air Component Coordination Element- Iraq Public Affairs

ALI BASE, Iraq -- Millions watched in shock on Sept. 11, 2001, as the events in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania unfolded. Master Sgt. Michael Clayton, an Air Force firefighter, was glued to a TV that morning while on leave in Pierson, Fla. Along with millions of viewers, he watched more than 2,700 people perish in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Of those who died, 343 were firefighters.

The events of 9/11 would go on to shape Clayton's career and the person he is today.

Ten years later, Clayton is a chief master sergeant and in Iraq serving as the fire chief for 407th Air Expeditionary Group Fire Department. He's in the twilight of his career as the U.S. wraps up operations in Iraq.

Before 9/11, Clayton had already served 13 years on active duty. During this time, he saved lives and protected military communities. Then, on 9/11, at 8:46 a.m. EDT, American Airlines Flight 11crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center and altered his life.

"When that first building collapsed, it really hit me in the gut," said Clayton, who is from Brusly, La., and deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. "I remember thinking, 'no sane person would intentionally fly into a building.'I knew right away it was a terrorist attack."

The chief's heart sank. His years of experience with aircraft firefighting taught him the devastating effects of a fully fueled plane. His gut told him it would be tough for the building to survive the immense heat.

"I knew there were people in the building who left home that morning thinking it was just going to be another day," said Clayton. "(That feeling) really hit home as a firefighter because any day we respond to a call there's no guarantee we're coming home."

Based at the time at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Clayton soon found himself on a plane bound for Afghanistan. The chief was part of the first wave of U.S. forces deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"When we hit the ground (the location) was very bare and wide open," Clayton said.

A vast landscape of nothingness welcomed him and his fellow "Fire Dogs." The unexpected challenges of the location and mission helped the chief grow as a leader and mentor.

"To see the faces of the young Airmen and explain the severity of the location was really tough," Clayton recalled. "I was thrown into situations I wasn't prepared for. It showed me I needed to know my job better and be more prepared because I had moms and dads who put their young sons and daughters (lives) into my hands. I needed to be able to make the right calls to make sure those sons and daughters returned home."

Chief Clayton and his crew succeeded at their first Afghanistan mission and when it came time for them to head home, the base was set up and operations were running smoothly.

Ten years have passed since that fateful day in 2001. Clayton, now at Ali Base, finds himself on his sixth and final deployment of his career.
Instead of building up a base, like he did on his first trip to Afghanistan, he is helping transition Ali Base back to the Iraqi government.

"This brings my career full circle," said the chief, who plans to retire with 24 of service next year. "We've sacrificed a lot across the military community and our progress shows. To know that years from now I will see Iraq on the news and know I was a part of closing the mission is very rewarding."

Clayton said it's been an honor to serve with so many brave and dedicated individuals throughout his career.

His troops think highly of him as well.

"I've worked for three chiefs in my career," said Staff Sgt. Shane Schoenberger, a 407th AEG firefighter from Moore, Ok., and deployed from Dyess AFB. "Chief Clayton is the best example of a chief I've met and everyone really respects him."

Tech. Sgt. Golangy Jenkins, from Daytona Beach, Fla., is also a 407th AEG firefighter and is deployed from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. He said the chief has a no-nonsense approach and is respected for the way he communicates his message.

"He's a chief, yet he still relates to the Airmen," Jenkins said. "I think this is a good thing for a senior leader to have."

The chief said he's learned many leadership qualities throughout his career. He hopes to pass these traits on to those he meets in the future.

"The Air Force has made me the person I am," the chief said. "The military is where I've grown up and has taken care of me and my family. I have nothing but praise for the Air Force."