Rock Solid Warrior: Senior Airman Neil Middlecoat Published July 8, 2011 SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Name: Senior Airman Neil G. Middlecoat Deployed Unit: 387th Expeditionary Support Squadron Duty Title: Force Protection Home unit/station: 603d Air Control Squadron, Aviano, Italy Favorite movie: Hackers Favorite restaurant: Red Lobster Favorite superhero: The Hulk Place you would most like to vacation to or visit: Hawaii Favorite actor/actress: Ryan Reynolds Favorite food: Pizza Favorite musical group/musician/singer: Aerosmith How do you support the mission here? I am one of 47, Force Protection members at the 387th Expeditionary Squadron supporting three main areas of responsibility; I help support a 24-hour around the clock operation by providing security for the base, I Augment the Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron by escorting Third Country National Contractors who enter the Aerial Port of Departure (APOD), and finally I'm a volunteer as a pall bearer (ceremonial detail) for the most patriotic, humbling and honorable roles we have for our dignified transfers. How many times have you deployed and what makes this deployment unique? This is my fifth deployment, but first time working as a Force Protection member. This has truly been an eye opening experience for me since: I have always been on the other end of the spectrum and never see what a tough job and long hours Security Forces/Force Protection personnel have on a daily basis. My time here has given me a better appreciation and understanding of the United States Air Force and what a well-oiled machine it truly is. Despite the heat and many sandstorms, I can personally say that there has not been a single bad day working here at the 387th ESPTS/FP since my arrival. The people I work with on a daily basis have inspired me through their own dedication, and high morale. What truly makes this deployment unique is how so many personnel from so many career fields can come together and as a group. We have a total of 27 Air Force Specialty Codes working collectively supporting each other and the mission making this my most memorable deployment. How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? Back at Aviano AB, Italy I work as a Special Purpose Vehicle Maintainer, my main job consists of maintaining a fleet of 350 Air Force vehicles. So I rarely get to see the operator point of view while working on these vehicles. This deployment has shown me what it takes to be an operator and why my job as a vehicle mechanic is truly important. I have also had the opportunity to use some of my vehicle mechanic skills to keep the vehicles here operational, which only strengthens my belief that everything you learn in life will help you out sometime or somewhere. Being a Force Protection Escort has taught me how important the security aspect of a base truly is and why it should not be taken for granted. Talking to some of the Third Country National Contractors who have left their homeland to work in the blistering heat to feed their families back home has given me even more respect for what they do.