13-man security forces team embarks on deployment

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Thirteen members of the 82nd Security Forces Squadron left Sheppard Sept. 23 for training with the Army before heading overseas.

The group will spend a couple months at Fort Lewis, Wash., before crossing the pond for a tour at an undisclosed location in Iraq.

Family, friends and co-workers gave well-wishes and hugs to the departing Sheppard members prior to their departure, including a mother both proud and worried.

Diane Barber's wavering voice told of her anxiety Sept. 23 as her son, Airman 1st Class Jeff Irwin, checked and re-checked his equipment before loading a bus to begin his mission.

The mother from Midlothian, Texas, admitted it's hard to see her son leaving for a tour in Iraq, but she said it's her job to support him.

"It's difficult," she said. "He's my baby. I back him 100 percent."

That was the thought of several family members, friends and co-workers standing outside the 82nd SFS building. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged, including a line of wing, group and squadron leaders present to see the team off.

Tech. Sgt. Robert Stremlow, the team leader and one of two Individual Mobilization Augmentee reservists, said most of the deploying Airmen are deploying for the first time, including himself.

"I personally feel like it's my turn to go to the desert to let one of these active duty guys stay home," he said. "We all want to do our part to serve the country."

Sergeant Stemlow, a federal corrections officer in Oklahoma City as a civilian, said he is confident in the group's skills and desire to get the job done.

"I've trained with them already on base," he said. "All of them are more than adequate with their abilities."

Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, 82nd Training Wing commander, addressed the group prior to their departure. He said the Army is stretched thin with its mission in Iraq and they can't do it alone.

"Right now this is one team, one fight," the general said. "I appreciate the sacrifices you and your families make."

General Devereaux said he could understand that some might be thinking of the lengthy deployment and the separation from family members. But, he said group of deployed medics who returned home Sept. 22 said "it seemed like yesterday" when they left. He assured the deploying security forces members that the deployment would go by much quicker than they are anticipating.

Maj. William Lowery's message was clear to the 13-member team. The 82nd SFS commander said he expects 13 men to go in, and 13 to come out.

"We've done what we can do to prepare you," he said.

Airman Irwin said he is looking forward to the deployment and is ready to do his part in the global war on terror.

"I want to go," he said. "I want to support my country. That's why I joined the military."