BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --
Two Airmen deployed to Air Forces Central Command and their
loved ones back home were on the receiving end of holiday phone calls from
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody, the Air Force’s highest
enlisted leader, Dec. 24.
Airman 1st Class Frank Perez-Castillo, 455th Expeditionary
Security Forces Squadron commander support staff, deployed to Bagram from Eglin
Air Force Base, Florida, and Senior Airman Joseph, 62nd
Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron MQ-9 launch and recovery sensor operator,
deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South
Dakota, were selected from a pool of top-notch nominees.
“I was so impressed when I picked up the phone and the
caller introduced himself as the chief master sergeant of the Air Force,”
Perez-Castillo said. “When I learned that I may have the opportunity to speak
with one of our top leaders I was honored just to receive the nomination.
Actually speaking to Chief Cody was a very special and emotional moment for me,
and an absolute privilege.”
Joseph echoed Perez-Castillo’s sentiments.
“I was notified a few weeks prior that Chief Cody was going
to call,” Joseph said. “My squadron commander, chief and superintendent
were all waiting by the phone with me. I think they were just as excited to
have the chief master sergeant of the Air Force call as I was, and we were all
glad the call was able to come through.”
Though Cody himself has been in the Air Force for decades,
he was able to empathize with Perez-Castillo and Jurasovich, both in the midst
of their first deployments. The chief connected with their individual struggles
as well as their joys.
“Chief Cody talked about how hard it could be coming
straight from Puerto Rico and deploying with only 15 months of service under my
belt,” Perez-Castillo said. “He understands what a sacrifice being away from family
during the holidays can be, especially for the first time. He wanted to make
sure I had time to talk to my family, and he thanked me for our sacrifices,
both mine and theirs.”
Joseph found a fellow outdoorsman in the chief master
sergeant of the Air Force.
“The chief and I talked about being away from family during
the holidays and he expressed appreciation for all I do,” the senior airman
said. “He also complimented me on the fact that I was selected to receive the
phone call. He then asked what kind of hunting I enjoy.”
Though being away from loved ones during the holiday season
can be difficult, Perez-Castillo is indeed a critical piece of the 455th Air
Expeditionary Wing puzzle. Still in the fledgling stages of his career, the
airman 1st class holds a myriad of positions within his squadron including unit
travel representative, deployment manager, information assurance officer and
equipment custodian.
“My job here is absolutely rewarding,” Perez-Castillo said.
“I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with the leaders and mentors I
have found in the defenders staff. In the beginning, my time at Bagram was
difficult; however, now I feel like I am not away from home. I’m just spending
time with my second family at my second home.”
Like Perez-Castillo, Joseph is a shining example of what
it means to be a modern-day expeditionary Airman. In addition to being a
squadron training representative, the senior airman assisted in the recovery of
three emergency aircraft, and the medical evacuation of a wounded special
operations warfighter, to name a few of his accomplishments.
“This job is very rewarding,” Joseph said. “Without the
launch and recovery squadron, the squadrons back home would not be able to
provide the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance needed to keep our
troops safe. I really enjoy Kandahar. This is my first deployment and the
people out here make working seven days a week enjoyable. Also, knowing my
leadership thinks so highly of my work means a lot.”
Though Perez-Castillo and Joseph will carry varied
stories of deployed service into the New Year, both Airmen are wrapping up 2014
with well-wishes from the top tier of Air Force leadership and a memory they
won’t soon forget.
“This phone call is something I will always remember,”
Perez-Castillo said. “I will never forget my first Christmas away from home,
when the chief master sergeant of the Air Force personally called me.”
Likewise, Joseph's conversation with the chief made this
holiday season one to remember.
“The phone call definitely made my holidays better,” he
said. “I looked forward to the call for days, as did my parents. My parents are
very proud of my accomplishments out here and for them to hear it from Chief
Cody made their Christmas amazing which in turn, made my Christmas even
better.”