3-43 ADA shines at Airfest 2010

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The sun was shining as always in Southwest Asia as the 3rd Battalion; 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment partnered with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing for the second time this year to participate in Airfest 2010. This one day event spotlights each of the airbase's tenant unit's most fascinating pieces of equipment. With live musical entertainment and food the event created a festive atmosphere as the Battalion enters the Holiday Season.
With a pleasant change of pace from the normal daily operations overseas, this event gave all deployed Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and coalition partners an opportunity to learn more about their brothers and sisters in arms and the weapons systems they utilize.

Some of the amazing equipment staged on the flight line included: a Marine UC-35 aircraft, a Navy P-3 and EP-3 aircraft, an Air Force B-1 Bomber, C-130, KC-135 and C-21 aircraft just to name a few. One of the most visited sites throughout the whole day was the 3-43 "Courage and Honor" Battalion's Patriot display. With one of C/3-43 ADA's launching stations raised up high above all the aircraft, 3-43 ADA stood out literally and figuratively. Sergeants Kerwin Starks and Gabriel Martinez, Specialists Ashley Ericksen, Raymond Foppiano, Jesus Sandoval and Jeff Smith and Private First Class Nathaniel Akers truly represented the battalion as they spent the day discussing the purpose of the Patriot weapon system and some of its state of the art capabilities.

"It was an honor to showcase one of our weapon systems to the military community out here in a deployed environment," said Sergeant Starks. "Everybody who came by received a better understanding of what a Patriot unit does while deployed. It was a great experience for all of us to represent 3-43 ADA in a positive way."

In addition to the launcher station, HHB/3-43 ADA also provided a field litter ambulance and several combat medics to answer questions and demonstrate basic combat life saving skills organic within an air defense battalion. Staff Sgt. Miguel Gonzales, Sergeant Tim Brown, Private First Class Marissa Bainer and Private First Class Charlotte Watkins drew a consistent crowd as they explained how they support the Soldiers within the battalion, regardless of the conflict around them.

The Airfest was a great way for the 3-43 ADA Soldiers to kick off the month of December. One of the highlights of the day came when the installation commander, Brig. Gen. Randy Kee, stated, "I am able to sleep at night thanks to the efforts of the 3-43 ADA Battalion in keeping our skies safe day in and day out." There is never a lack of motivation for 3-43 ADA, but hearing words such as those from the installation commander is always inspiring and representative of all of the hard work and sacrifices made during the deployment. The "Courage and Honor" Battalion proudly continues their mission in Southwest Asia and looks forward to coming back to Fort Bliss in the near future.