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Rock Solid Warrior

  • Published
This week's 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Rock Solid Warrior comes from the 387th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Name: Tech. Sgt. Matthew Higgins

Unit: 387th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, 70th Medium Truck Detachment

Job: Convoy Commander

Home station: 305th Logistics Readiness Squadron; McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.

How do you support the mission here?
My job is to effectively and efficiently transport supplies, equipment and cargo into and out of Iraq. As a convoy commander, I maintain control of 53 personnel and 43 vehicles on some of the most dangerous roads in the world.

How many times have you deployed and what makes this deployment unique?
I have deployed five times during my Air Force career, and three times to this AOR. During this deployment, I was able to be part of the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq. That was unique, because I also was here for the initial phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the build-up.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base?
The scope of control and responsibility that I have here greatly exceeds that of my mission at home station. This is a challenge I gladly take on. It's primarily why I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.