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McConnell's Airmen keep holiday spirit in Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  As soon as the alarm sounded, they raced out of their beds, struggling into their clothes, with one thing on their minds - getting to the Christmas tree.

Now, they no longer race to the tree during this time, but instead rush to treat patients, maintain planes and accomplish the Air Force mission. They are the roughly 400 McConnell Airmen deployed worldwide during the holidays.

Being deployed during the holidays means missing time with loved ones, missing the luxuries of life at home and nonstop work; however, in every situation there is a silver lining.

"There is no Black Friday, jam-packed parking lots or deals of the century," said Senior Airman Kristen Babicki, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron aerospace medical services technician with the 22nd Medical Support Squadron. "Just a bunch of people who are doing their best to keep a presence in the lives of their loved ones back home -- the true meaning of the holidays."

Airmen may not have everything from home, but the Expeditionary Force Support Squadrons throughout Southwest Asia try to make the holidays better. For example, the EFSS have Holiday Scavenger Hunts, movies, Christmas Tree Decorating Contests, bingo, winter holiday photo contests, karaoke and numerous activities at the local gym available for Airmen.

"Next to video chatting home, the holiday dinners are the next best thing," said Airman Babicki. "Dining facility workers put in hundreds of hours creating statues and sculptures to make the place a little more festive."

In addition to the distractions, there is one thing above all else that makes deployments worth the time and sacrifice.

"The most positive thing I can think of is the fact that I truly get to do what I am trained to do, and see the impact of what I do on the real-world mission," said Capt. Andrew Williams, 376th Expeditionary Medical Group chief of Mental Health Services with the 22nd Medical Operations Squadron. "It is extremely rewarding to be able to see Airmen one day and know that by doing my job they're able to go back to the flightline to ensure that we are flying, fighting and winning every day."

From the hospitals to the flightline, deployed Airmen continue to complete the mission even during the holidays.

"My holidays will be spent on the flightline making sure that our tankers are properly maintained and able to take off on time," said Airman 1st Class Keith McCormick, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron an instrument and flight control systems apprentice, currently deployed with the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft maintenance Squadron.

They may not be able to go caroling or open presents with family, but simple gestures from families, friends and the Air Force help Airmen get through the holidays, echoed Captain Williams, Airmen McCormick and Babicki.

"Knowing that I have friends and family back home that care about me and support what we are doing over here helps a lot," said Airman McCormick. "It also helps to know the work that I'm doing here is helping protect our troops on the front lines."