317th AG deploys to support war on terror

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Tx --  More than 190 Airmen from the 39th Airlift Squadron and the 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron deployed to the area of responsibility Oct. 13. 

The Airmen, who will be supporting the C-130 mission, will replace the 40th AS. The 40th AS is scheduled to return home soon. The group, consisting of some first-time deployers, is a fairly seasoned squadron when it comes to deploying, said Maj. Don Vandenbussche, 317th maintenance operations officer. 

"We're all excited to go back and support the mission," Major Vandenbussche said. "These guys have been through this quite a bit before and are ready to take on the challenges." 

Because the 317th Airlift Group has deployed consistently in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom since Sept. 11, it isn't too uncommon to see some Airmen like Ginger Forsyth, who will be on her fourth deployment in just under four years. 

"I've found that I've learned the most about my job while being deployed," said Senior Airman Forsyth, 317th AMXS crew chief. "The job satisfaction you get while being there is unmatched. It's where you get to see the actual mission being performed. You get to see the ammo and food being delivered, and you know that you have made a difference." 

Because the 317th AG deploys on a regular basis, it's leadership makes it a priority to take care of the families who stay back home, Major Vandenbussche said. 

"We have a very good support system here for the families," the major said. "Many of the families have been through this a number of times and are ready for the challenges presented, but we especially make sure the new spouses and families get the support they need." 

"While we have some reservations about leaving our families, we are pretty motivated to go out and serve the cause," said Maj. Gerry Donohue, 317th AG deployed director of operations. "We've learned our lessons from deployments past and make sure the youngest deployers are sped up and motivated to go."