'There I was' Afghanistan deployment a source of great pride, accomplishment

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jesse Lopez
  • 6th Security Forces Squadron
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  
So there I was ... at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, waiting for my military rotator to return to the states, only after a quick stop at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, for decompression training. I just completed another deployment for the United States Air Force representing THE mighty 6th SFS. My mission consisted of molding two teams, six personnel from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and eight from MacDill Air Force Base in order to successfully deny enemy movements against an airfield in order to continue combat operations in Southern Afghanistan.

Our primary Security Forces mission was to conduct counter-threat operations in the Airfield Ground Defense Area. I have deployed many times before, but this time I had the challenge of putting together a team of Security Forces Defenders from two different bases to accomplish a mission unique, even to Security Forces -- not an easy task. Waking up daily in the area of responsibility, our entire team knew that our role to identify and neutralize Taliban insurgents from harming United States and coalition forces was critical. I am proud to say my team, made up of airman first class - staff sergeant did a phenomenal job. We successfully removed Taliban members from our area of operations and reduced indirect fire attacks to the airfield by 86 percent and completely defeated the potential of improvised explosive device attacks against United States and coalition forces. As I reflect on the operation, knowing I was part of a team that neutralized the Taliban's efforts brings me great pride. I feel we placed our lives on the line every day, and now that I am at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, awaiting travel home to Tampa, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing all my team is returning home intact.

In my 19-years of service, I have never been as proud as I am today. Over the course of the deployment, I have led men and women in the median age of 23 years old. They have performed with exceptional honor and dignity. I am proud to have served with each of them. Defenders to the end!