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Deployed JB MDL captain leads protocol efforts

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Whether it's Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen, or another distinguished visitor coming to see the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in action, Capt. Sandra Byrum is making sure their visit goes as seamless as possible.

Captain Byrum is the 380th AEW's chief of protocol at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia. She is deployed from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Selected for the rank of major, the 18-year veteran of the Air Force said she has a critical mission to complete in the deployed environment.

"The primary focus of any visit is to showcase our wing and our mission and how we contribute to the war effort," Captain Byrum said. "I ensure our distinguish visitors see our wing's ability to 'fight tonight.' This leads to our wing receiving support and funds to help the warfighters get the tools they need to win the war."

To do her deployed job, Captain Byrum said she works coordination with the U.S. Embassy and host nation officials to ensure high ranking visitors and dignitaries have legal clearance to enter the country, transportation, lodging, accessibility to service members, security, meals and their luggage gets where is needs to be and communication needs are met.

"I coordinate and plan various military ceremonies and official events and ensure all military traditions, and customs and courtesies are properly performed during all ceremonies," Captain Byrum said. "I'm the first representative for 380th Air Expeditionary Wing and wing commander who visitors meet. Therefore, I'm responsible for a positive first impression of the 380th and the commander. I also schedule, coordinate and orchestrate every detail of every minute of a distinguish visitor's time while they are visiting our installation and ensure the wing makes a positive impression."

Having served for 18 years in the Air Force, Captain Byrum said she is proud to be working and serving with some of the best people in the world both at home and on deployment.

"It's a great honor to serve in the Air Force and in the theater of operation during this time in our nation's history," said Captain Byrum, whose hometown is Rainsville, Ala. "This tour has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As the chief of protocol, I've met the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Air Force and several Congressmen. It feels great knowing that I've contributed to our nation's efforts to solidify relations with another country, and that I've done something to contribute to our nation winning the war and maintain its strength and power."

The 380th AEW is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance, and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.