ROCK SOLID WARRIOR Published July 31, 2008 387th Expeditionary Support Squadron SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airman 1st Class Travis Ridgley How do you support the mission here? I operate heavy equipment, as well as provide instructions to contractors on projects I'm responsible for. I basically evaluate the finished product to make sure we get what we asked for. I also assist other engineers with base maintenance issues, such as water and power. How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my third deployment. This deployment is unique because I am the only person from my career field assigned to the 387th Air Expeditionary Group. Therefore, I'm relied upon to be the expert at knowing what the best way is to accomplish a job. It is rewarding knowing that I'm performing this type of duty, a position normally reserved for a noncommissioned officer. How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? It's different because you don't always have everything you need to do your job like you would at home station, so finding new and innovative ways can be both challenging and rewarding at the same time.