Making a difference behind the scenes

Published March 14, 2011
By Maj. Joseph Coslett
9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq Public Affairs

BAGHDAD -- Behind every great leader is the staff enabling him or her to make life or death decisions, line up priorities and carry out actions making Iraq better at a blinding pace, running a perpetual marathon.

Maj. Brent Bak, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq executive officer, played a critical part in planning Brig. Gen. Russ Handy's, 9th AETF-I commander, international travel, decision making meetings and key leader engagements.

For this Kadena Air Base, Japan, F-15 weapons officer, this was an experience, like no other, chalk full of joint service and top leader interactions. The general hired him without any executive officer or joint experience and a rank and a half below the other joint Service executives and aids.

"Was it a good idea?" General Handy asked. "Well, I tell you it was a great idea.

"First of all, Major Bak's extensive tactical expertise and intellect enabled him to master this challenge very quickly. He dealt with a variety of officers and officials at the highest levels of the U.S. and Iraqi government with outstanding humility and professionalism, properly representing the whole U.S. Air Force. Second, the experience Major Bak gained from his time here will serve him and those Airmen he leads well for the remainder of his promising career."

One of the main tasks for Major Bak was managing General Handy's senior leader movements. He planned and executed 43 general officer circulation trips allowing the commander to put eyes-on Airmen stationed throughout the Iraqi joint operations area.

"I am proud of my efforts getting General Handy out to visit more than half of the more than 5,000 Airmen in and around Iraq, so he could hear their stories and issues from them," said Major Bak, a Traverse City, Mich., native. "Ultimately, his interaction with his troops greatly assisted in providing solutions to their problems and aided in enhanced mission accomplishment and quality of life for Airmen in the IJOA."

One example is responding last minute to obtain air travel during severe weather to get the top Airman to a critical event.

"A high point for my deployment was working with J33 Air to 'scrounge' a C-12 to get the general and the command chief to Balad Air Base, Iraq, so they could attend a memorial service for a fallen Airman," he said.

During his other three deployments in Turkey, Romania and East Asia, he was part of an F-15 fighter squadron. This deployment, he deployed by himself to another team full of fresh new challenges.

"This was my first deployment to Iraq, and I've never worked on a staff," Major Bak said. "My fondest memory will be the interaction and camaraderie on the world-class 9th AETF-I staff. Everyone with their unique traits and through their efforts, enabled Airmen to more efficiently advise, train and assist their Iraqi counterparts."

An additional duty falling to Major Bak was navigating the labyrinth of tasks set before the commander. He worked continuously with the 30 member staff and the joint staffs of Central Command, Air Force Central Command and U.S. Forces-Iraq organizations.

"All the work our staff did in some form or another has filtered through Major Bak," General Handy said. "The way he portrayed himself to other execs and generals as a young Airmen had a positive impact on the Air Force overall."

Furthermore, Major Bak's direct coordination resulted in two key leader engagements between Government of Iraq ministerial leaders, U.S. Department of State officials and senior Air Force officers that were essential for the safe return of airspace control to Iraqi civil aviation oversight.

"Major Bak's efforts and direct engagement at senior levels of our governments enabled us to develop partnerships that will endure beyond our current presence in Iraq," he said. "His individual contributions furthered the understanding of air power and the delicate requirements for air transition during the reposture of U.S. forces in Iraq."

The general went on to say, "I just can't thank him enough for everything he has done for me personally, the country of Iraq and for the U.S. Air Force."

Major Bak's sacrifices and contributions would not have been possible without the support of his family.

"I am blessed with a very supportive family network," he said. "My lovely wife was always there for me, consistently sending me goodies, cards and essential items from back home. My brother, a former U.S. Army captain, was also a morale booster. Finally, both my wife and my parents provided much love and affection for us both during my deployment."

In the final words of Major Bak to Airmen in Iraq, "the advise, train and assist mission in Iraq is important, on so many levels. What U.S. forces are doing here is not only paramount for the future success of this nation but also for the region. We need to continue to synergistically employ our efforts in daily activities, so we can provide the Iraqis with the tools and experience they need to bring their country to a level of peace and the stability they and the international community desire."