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Rock Solid Warrior

  • Published
  • By 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron
Airman 1st Class Matthew Schoen

887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron

Turret Gunner

Home unit/base: 822nd Security Forces Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga. 


How do you support the mission here? As a turret gunner I provide heavy gun capability for an air surveillance officer team. The ASO team keeps the roads secure and clear of improvised explosive devices.

How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my first deployment. I'm part of the few who actually go outside the protection of the forward operating base and deal with the insurgents and IEDs head on.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? In garrison we train daily to fight. While deployed we apply this training to real life scenarios.