Exodus deploys Airmen for holiday season

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  About 4,500 Airmen in Training left Sheppard the morning of Dec. 19 to visit their families and friends for the holidays during the 2009 Exodus.

After months of planning, Airmen departed Sheppard as a mock deployment as early as 12 a.m.

"We're moving a brigades worth of troops in just a few hours. It's neat to watch because this took months of planning, much like combat does," said Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon, 82nd Training Wing commander.

General Mannon said Exodus has its advantages for Airmen and their leadership.

"It's one of the best times of the year because these young people get to go home and talk about our Air Force and we get to see smiles on their faces," the general said. "It's also fun to talk to them about where home is and share a few jokes."

Senior Master Sgt. Robert Smith, the 82nd TRW superintendent of military training, said he believes Exodus is a good chance for the students to visit their loved ones before their careers take off.

"It's a good opportunity for the Airmen to go home and spend time with their families. Most of them are going to get to their first base, learn their jobs, do their (career development courses) and become very engaged in their work," he said. "This is the perfect chance for them to get a break."

The Airmen were happy for an opportunity to spend time with their loved ones after long months of serving their country away from home in basic military and technical training.

"It's a time to go back to see my family and friends," said Airman 1st Class Ryan Edwards from the 383rd Training Squadron. "Being in the Air Force has taught me how much my family means to me."

"It's kind of exciting because I'm going home and I haven't been there in a long time. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone that's supported me because I've really missed them," said Airman Joseph Bailem from the 361st TRS.

One Airman was particularly happy to go home because of his special plans.

"I'm looking forward to getting a break and being with my fiancée, Kristen," said Airman 1st Class Sean Cooney from the 365th TRS. "We're getting married. I'm happy that we're finalizing everything over the holiday season."

While the AiTs are appreciative of Exodus, their military training leaders are as well.

"While the Airmen are off visiting those that they've missed, Exodus will be a bit of a downtime for the rest of the base," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Stabile an MTL from the 82nd TRW. "I'll be going home to see my family as well."

The holiday Exodus typically runs through Christmas and New Year's. Airmen will return to Sheppard Jan. 2 and begin training Jan. 4.