Paktya PRT Airmen serve in dual roles while deployed

Published Sept. 22, 2011
By Senior Airman Wesley Farnsworth
Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktya

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Deployments are a way of life for many members of the U.S. military, some more than others. Senior Airmen Robert Finstad, of Roosevelt, Ariz., and Robert Lane, of San Antonio, use their unique skills to ensure others are able to use theirs.

Finstand and Lane, members of the 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Davis-Mothan Air Force Base, Ariz., support the Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team as master vehicle drivers. Their unique skills are highly valued because they enable the team to move safely during critical missions, often over very challenging terrain.

Lane, who enlisted in 2005 and Finstad, who enlisted in 2007 are both on their third deployment, but their first to Afghanistan. Prior to this deployment, they completed two nine-month tours in Iraq where they drove on missions lasting as long as 30 days.

"Deployments keep things interesting," Lane said. "I like being deployed because there is almost always something new going on."

Lane and Finstad also augment the logistics team for the Paktya PRT.

"When I'm not driving, I assist our supply non-commissioned officer in charge in ensuring that everyone has all the gear needed to complete the mission," Finstad said. "I also supervise a crew of local nationals that work for the PRT doing everything from janitorial work to carpentry."

Prior to their deployment to Afghanistan, both Airmen attended the Basic Combat Convoy training course at Camp Bullis, Texas, and a three-month combat skills training course at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in Indianapolis.

"The training really helped us prepare for this deployment," Lane said.

Both Airmen recall a recent mission to the city of Rabat, Afghanistan as their favorite mission of this deployment to date.

"It was a lot of fun because we were able to help make a difference in peoples' lives," Lane said. "Seeing the kids receive soccer balls and backpacks was great."

Tech. Sgt. Douane Schnyder, who hails from Las Vegas, is the PRT supply non-commissioned officer in charge.

"They are some of the most talented and dedicated Airmen I've ever deployed with," said Schnyder. "They are constantly being tasked with multiple items, and have always been able to meet the challenge."