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Mission complete for 387th ELRS Combat Truckers

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Stacy Fowler
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 387th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Combat Truckers were mission complete Dec. 17, 2011, after more than five years, 1,925 missions and 95 million miles into and out of Iraq.

The Combat Truckers drove supplies and equipment in Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.

"This was a very bittersweet moment for us," said Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Wickham, 387th ELRS squadron chief. "It's great that it's over, but you can't help but ask yourself: 'Now what do I do?' For those of us who have wrapped up the mission, we get to close up shop and go home."

Servicemembers faced blistering heat, bitter cold, insurgent attacks and numerous vehicle issues to ensure the continuous flow of equipment and supplies in Iraq. Since 2006, they have carried more than 2.2 million pieces of equipment, including 42,000 vehicles, to dozens of U.S. bases and forward operating bases.

The total weight the unit moved from just 2006-2011 alone equals approximately 3,059,844 short tons, which translates to nearly 6,119,688,000 pounds.

"We've brought a lot of beans and bullets in and out of Iraq," said Senior Master Sgt. John Paxton, 424th Medium Truck Detachment, 387th ELRS, superintendant. "And it's all because of the courage and determination our men and women have shown in every convoy, every day until the end of the missions into Iraq this month."

Since 2004, the 387th ELRS has lost five people during operations in Iraq.

"Every single person in our unit is part of our family, and no loss of life is acceptable to those he or she leaves behind," Wickham said.

Those who have fallen during operations are:

2004
Staff Sgt. Dustin Peters
Airman 1st Class Carl Anderson
2006
Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton
Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy
2007
Airman 1st Class Eric Barnes

And while the mission in Iraq is complete for the 387th ELRS - these men and women remain ready to take on the next task they are called upon to perform.