386th Airmen recognized at Army banquet

Published March 23, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Two 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen were recognized for their superior performance March 12 during the 4th Annual Association of the United States Army Servicemember Appreciation Banquet.

Tech. Sgt. Christine Ward and Senior Airman Telesheia Ward were recognized along with other Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen at the banquet. Sergeant Ward, the non-commissioned officer in charge of casualty operations at the Casualty Assistance Center, and Airman Ward, a casualty operations technician at the Casualty Assistance Center, are both assigned to the 387th Expeditionary Support Squadron here.

"I'm still a little nervous, even though I've already received the award, and am in complete awe," said Sergeant Ward. "We knew about the award but didn't know they were going to recognize us in front of all these people."

More than 650 individuals were in the audience to include the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander, Col. Patrick Mordente, and the 386th AEW Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Richard Turcotte as well as servicemembers, distinguished visitors, AUSA members and sponsors of the organization. Before handing out awards, the president of AUSA Chapter 8601, Randy L. Williams, had a few words for the servicemembers receiving recognition and the rest of the military members in the audience.

"There are a lot of people here who not only care but look forward to opportunities like this," said Mr. Williams. "An opportunity to tell all of you, the servicemembers, thanks. You all do a tremendous job everyday over here and for that we all thank you."

Sergeant Ward and Airman Ward, both deployed from the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, were recognized for their superior performances while there. They both just began their deployment to the 387th more than two months before.

While here, their duties are very different from their homestation responsibilities. Sergeant Ward works at the Air Force Personnel Operations Agency as a requirements writer and Airman Ward works at the Total Force Service Center.

"What I am doing now is way different from my home," said Airman Ward, a Pioneer La., native. "At AFPC, I answer Airmen's questions regarding personnel issues like how to update their home of record and questions concerning their active duty service commitments."

Working in the Casualty Assistance Center here was a big change for Airman Ward.

"I wasn't expecting to come here to do casualty reports," commented Airman Ward. "You have to adjust to it. I thought it was going to be really bad but it's not."

The Casualty Assistance Center, where both currently work, supports the entire United States Central Command Area of Responsibility. The center reports, records, and accounts for all military, DOD civilians and contractors who are U.S. citizens who become casualties in the CENTCOM AOR. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the three main functions at the center - casualty reporting, next of kin verification and patient tracking - are carried out by the joint service team. It's working in the joint environment that makes this a good experience for Sergeant Ward.

"It's amazing; it's like we are one of the Soldiers," said the Cleveland, Ohio, native. "They call us their battles. We have wingmen, they have battle buddies. We are right in there and are part of the family."

According its website, the AUSA has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve.

AUSA Chapter 8601 was the first chapter established in a theater of operations. This chapter conducts many projects aimed at supporting military personnel of all branches located here. AUSA Chapter 8601 holds events, like the Servicemember Appreciation Banquet, throughout the year in support of the morale and well-being of servicemembers who are deployed here.