Heading to war zonesDeployment to last several months By Nadine Parks (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wade Spees Jessica McDonnell had a difficult time Wednesday saying goodbye to her fiancee, Alexander Lammi. 
Wade Spees Wives, other family members and fiancees try to catch a final glimpse of their loved ones Wednesday as more than 130 members of the 15th Airlift Squadron leave Charleston Air Force Base on their way to a 'forward deployed location' in Southwest Asia. The squadron will be transporting troops and supplies into and out of Iraq and Afghanistan for the next several months. Past storiesC-17 squadron is deployed, published 04/29/08 Airmen welcomed back by loved ones, published 08/15/08 Charleston Air Force Base's 15th Airlift Squadron lifted off Wednesday night for a deployment in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The full squadron of about 130 airmen is bound for an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, from which it will fly missions in and out of the two Middle Eastern countries for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The C-17 cargo aircraft squadron will transport troops and supplies and fly medical evacuation missions. "I'm very proud to deploy with this squadron," said Lt. Col. John Lamontagne, squadron commander, in a prepared statement. "They have worked very hard in preparation for this deployment, and although it will be difficult to leave our families behind, I know the squadron will execute the mission well." The airmen will be overseas for several months and will replace Charleston's 14th Airlift Squadron, which could be returning home as early as next week, said Lt. Michaela Judge of the base's public affairs office. Family members of the 15th Squadron said their farewells Wednesday at the passenger terminal. "They are used to seeing them come and go, and they are extremely supportive because they know how important the missions are," Judge said. "They have their Air Force family to take care of them while their loved ones are gone." She said a spouse program at the base keeps families informed about the squadron and links dependents to help with a variety of issues while military members are deployed. |
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Comments
This article has 9 comment(s)
Posted by DanniD on August 28, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good luck, and thank you for all that you do!
Posted by amylrod on August 28, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My sentiments, too. God bless you and may you return home safely to your loved ones. Thank you for answering the call!
Posted by ChrisPia on August 28, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank You All For Your Dedicated Service. You are appreciated..God Bless,and come Home Safe.
Posted by BigSargeofSC on August 28, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Take care, y'all. Don't forget the remote controls for the TV and cable boxes.
Posted by yougogirl78 on August 28, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you all for what you do! Support our troops!
My baby brother is heading over to Afghanistan in October!
Posted by blondjes on August 28, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Charleston Air Force Base's 15th Airlift Squadron lifted off Wednesday night for a deployment in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."
i love how the P&C always has to put their agenda in here "in support of the wars" how about "to help win the war on terror" as an AF wife myself i'm offended by the P&C yet again
Posted by Buffy1 on August 28, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God bless y'all. Thank you for everything you do. Know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by amandamac on August 28, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God Bless you all!!! Thank you for the sacrafice that you make for us to live free!! You are my hero. For the family, thanks for sticking by these brave soldiers.
Posted by guidedbystewart on August 28, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Luck! I wish you all a safe arrival back!
RW, why does every comment by you involves some assign politcal statement?