ROCK SOLID WARRIOR Published April 12, 2008 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airman First Class Bryan Ekberg Combat Convoy Vehicle Operator Home unit/base: 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina How do you support the mission here? I am a convoy logistic patrol operator assigned to the 70th Medium Truck Detachment. As a tractor trailer operator, I am responsible for transporting variety of equipment in and out of Iraq that enables the Soldiers and Marines on the ground to accomplish their mission. We also move non-tactical equipment which is essential to the morale and build up of many Iraqi forward operating bases. How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my second deployment. I escorted third country nationals on base during my first deployment and now I escort them from base to base, under hostile conditions. Also, this deployment required extensive additional training to prepare us for this mission. It is an Army mission in which the Air Force is assisting in accomplishing it. How does your job differ in a deployed environment verses home base? My job is not that much different. I am a vehicle operator, which includes operating many kinds of vehicles, to move any kind of cargo. The difference is the environment in which I am operating these vehicles. The routes in Iraq are very dangerous. Convoys are often the primary target for road side bombs, small arms fire, and rocket propelled grenade attacks. Therefore it is a bigger challenge to ensure the safe delivery of cargo.