955th leadership provides for, expresses pride in deployed Airmen

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The leadership of the 955th Air Expeditionary Squadron, headquartered at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, has a unique job in regards to taking care of Airmen under their area of operation, Feb. 20.

While it is common for most units to have servicemembers serving at the same base or within their AOR, the scope of the 955th AES stretches beyond this base and out of their AOR, as far as Mazar-E-Sharif Regional Training Center in the north, to Kandahar Airfield in the south of the country, to Farah in the west as well as multiple forward operating bases and out posts that dot the rugged mountain terrain of the country.

“The 955th [AES] leadership supports Joint Expeditionary Tasked Airmen throughout the mission with administrative and operational command and control,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Bill Skinner, 955th AES deputy commander. “We ensure the tactical mission is fully supported with the right Airmen, in the right job, with the right skills.”

This means wherever the mission needs Airmen of the 955th AES, they go. And not far behind are the 955th AES leadership, who travel to remote and dangerous parts of Afghanistan in order to visit their Airmen and take care of their needs.

“My Airmen are all over the AOR so the best way to get a feel of how they are doing, is to go visit and hear their concerns in person,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Gordon Comerford, 955th AES 1st Sgt. “If my Airmen are there and I can get there, I will make every effort to go visit them and see how they are living. My job as a first sergeant doesn't change due to location. I am here to take care of my Airmen no matter where they are in the world.”

The 955th’s mission of total visibility of all JET Airmen has sent them has been to Marmal Airfield, Mazar-E-Sharif Regional Training Center, Spann, Airborne, Fenty, Finley-Shields, Manas, Zio Haq, Kabul, Kandahar, Farah, plus visiting with over 280 Jet here at Bagram

Traveling outside the wire to see their Airmen is crucial for the 955th’s leadership to recognize problems and rectify them, as well as reward Airmen for their hard work and dedication.

“It's important to see how people live and where they work to get a true understanding of the issues they face.” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Terrell Thomas, 955th AES superintendant, who is responsible for assisting and advising the 955th AES commander on a broad range of issues and ensures Airman are tasked appropriately.

“Like most squadrons back in continental United States, we do our best to ensure quality of life, equipment, personal, and disciplinary issues are handled fairly and in a timely matter,” said Skinner “We work within Air Force or Tactical Control channels to provide whatever is needed to complete the mission. Also, we do everything we can to provide our Airmen with the best tools to do the job. It could be a new uniform because their previous set was battle damaged. It could also be a flat screen television to watch movies and play games in their common area.” Skinner added.  “We do it to ensure our JET Airmen are given everything they need to do the best they can in support of the Operation Enduring Freedom mission.”

“The Airmen I've visited outside of BAF have shown remarkable resilience and fortitude,” said Thomas. “I've yet to find one Airman who has anything negative about their working relationships with the TACON leadership or their living conditions.” said Thomas.

Because these Airmen are stationed at forward operating bases or outside the wire for a majority of their deployment in Afghanistan, they have had their fair share of challenges which they defeat.

“I am truly humbled on a daily basis by what our JET Airmen overcome and accomplish.” said Thomas. “It is and will forever be a milestone in my career that's unparalleled.  Working with and for these young men and women is an honor, one in which I will cherish and be proud of well after retirement.”

“Our Airmen are accomplishing tasks in austere locations, with limited equipment, completing their missions efficiently and keeping a great attitude the whole time. It makes me proud to be an Airman,” said Comerford.