My Squadron received the activation call...

#1 Postby **pojo** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 1:12 pm

I am a air transportation specialist on C130 Hercules planes stationed of the 440th Airlift Wing in Milwaukee. I have to go through BMT First, so that means (and cross my fingers) that I will not go over to the Middle East, but I'll have to see what happens after BMT (basics). I'll have to wait and see... As one of my friends put it (he's an army brat) 'Semper Gumby' (always flexible)

Bush's Iraq visit inspires reservists
300 from 440th Airlift to depart for Middle East
By DARRYL ENRIQUEZ
denriquez@journalsentinel.com
Last Updated: Nov. 29, 2003

The spirits of 300 local reservists preparing to depart for the Middle East this week were lifted by President Bush's surprise holiday visit to U.S. troops in Iraq, the commander of the 440th Airlift Wing said Saturday.

"It's awfully hard for our people to say 'I don't know if I'm up for this one' when the president finds time in his schedule and goes there," Col. Mike Smith said.

The reservists learned just before Thanksgiving that they were shipping out for as long as a year to support troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The timing was less than ideal," Smith said of the call-up. "With that said, though, our folks had a pretty strong idea it was going to happen. It was more a question of when, not if."

The unit then learned of Bush visiting 600 members of the 1st Armored Division, the 82nd Airborne and other military units in Baghdad for Thanksgiving dinner. Bush spent 21/2 hours there and 20 more in the air for the round-trip flight, Smith said.

"I don't know if John Q. Public understands what it means to troops when something like that happens," he said. "It was a strong show of support."

It will be the unit's first large-scale deployment to either Iraq or Afghanistan, said Dennis Mehring, public relations director for the 440th, based at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee.

In late 2001, the unit deployed 26 engineers and security forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and some later became involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Mehring said.

This time around, the heart of the base's operation - its pilots and some of its dozen C-130 Hercules cargo transports - will head to the troubled region.

That group just missed seeing action last spring, Smith said.

"We were only a phone call away in February and March," he said. "Sooner or later, we were going to get our chance."

Flight crews, aircraft maintenance workers and administrative staff will begin departing later this week. From an undisclosed location, they will transport troops and supplies in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We'll be moving people, supplies and equipment and keeping ground troops supplied with whatever their needs are," Smith said. "It's less hazardous in some instances to transport by air than by convoy."

They will relieve Air National Guard units that have been in the Middle East for more than six months.

On Friday, the reservists began processing paperwork, including medical and payroll records.

"It's been an heroic effort in just a few days," Smith said. "I think there probably aren't too many other wings that could mobilize their folks over Thanksgiving and get it done as fast as we have.

"It disrupted their Thanksgiving holidays. . . . They'll be giving up their Christmas so other military members can have a chance to spend Christmas at home."

Most of the 440th's 1,400 members are from southeastern Wisconsin, with a few living in other parts of the state.

GalvestonDuck · #2 Postby **GalvestonDuck** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 1:16 pm

Will you be able to stay in contact with us after you leave? Even if it's just a couple of times a month...to let us know how it's going?

#3 Postby **Stephanie** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 1:18 pm

OH GEEZ SHANNON!!!

You know how much we're going to miss you around here when you go off to basic training. This is starting to hit too close to home again!

#4 Postby **pojo** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 1:18 pm

I'll try to contact someone from here that way they can pass along information..... I'll most definitely keep you informed about my progress!

#5 Postby **cycloneye** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 1:22 pm

Shannon be safe over there and let us know about what is going on there.

#6 Postby **pojo** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 1:30 pm

Luis...as of right now, I'm not going over....I have to go through Basics first.

#7 Postby **cycloneye** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 1:40 pm

pojo wrote:Luis...as of right now, I'm not going over....I have to go through Basics first.

Oh ok but anyway when the basics are over then you will go.I know that time will come Shannon when you will be inside a hurricane.

#8 Postby **george_r_1961** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 2:47 pm

Shannon good luck to you. Ive never spoken to u in chat but I enjoy reading your posts.

stormchazer · #9 Postby **stormchazer** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 3:14 pm

Thanks for your service Shannon. I am honored to post on the same board as you and many other veterans. Thank you.

JCT777 · #10 Postby **JCT777** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 3:42 pm

Good luck to you Shannon with your BMT, and let us know what happens.

StormCrazyIowan · #11 Postby **StormCrazyIowan** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 3:52 pm

Shannon!! I hope and pray that things settle down before you are through basic so you don't have to go!! But if you do, you know I got you covered in prayer!! (And would be willing to send ya mail to keep ya goin! Even pictures of the Naked Chefs if need be!) :lol:

Just keep us informed as the time nears, I'll miss ya girl!!

#12 Postby **DaylilyDawn** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 4:13 pm

Pojo, even though we have not met, I will keep you in my prayers that you will come back safe and sound. I am proud of your service to our country as I am proud of my son's service in the US Navy where he is a 2nd Class Petty Officer onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier.

mf_dolphin · #13 Postby **mf_dolphin** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 4:28 pm

Amen to Semper Gumby! Nothing like the good old "Hurry up and wait!" :-)

pawlee · #14 Postby **pawlee** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 5:14 pm

best wishes to you shannon, may you be safe and well... p

#15 Postby **wx247** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 6:11 pm

Good luck Shannon. We are proud of you!

#16 Postby **bfez1** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 6:57 pm

Good luck Shannon.
Take care and keep us posted on your status.
We'll be here for you when you return.

firefighter16 · #17 Postby **firefighter16** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 7:46 pm

Good luck and God bless Shannon. My prayers are with you.

looks like rain · #18 Postby **looks like rain** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 10:06 pm

the "valley" suffers more loss-having just met, i wish you the best-where i work,osh truck, i don't think we have any in your company, but we have many(reservist and guardsman) who have just returned or are still over there. we all feel like we are a part of this though-much of the equipment we build is over there or in afganistan and from the sounds of it, you will have the the "honors" of ferrying the men and equipment back forth-good luck with your basic!!! ---pete---

#19 Postby **coriolis** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 10:45 pm

Pojo, I didn't know you are a member of the reserves. (Stands at attention and salutes).

Best wishes in BT. Your other family here will be eager to hear how you're doing.

#20 Postby **streetsoldier** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 12:55 am

Shannon,

First, you must complete your Basic Military Training (I'm thinking it will be in 3708 BMTS [all-female], but it's been a LONG time!)...THEN you go to your Technical School for further training in your AFSC (specialized job description) before the AF would have any use for you, overseas or anywhere.

NO WAY would they take a totally green BMTS grad and send him or her into harm's way without secondary training.

You will see the Air Training Command motto everywhere..."PREPARE THE MAN" (or woman), and that's just what this man's AF will do...completely. "Ain't no doubt in my military mind" about this. OK? :wink:

My Squadron received the activation call...

My Squadron received the activation call...

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