Hundreds of Dyess Airmen deploy to Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  More than 290 Airmen deployed to Southwest Asia Jan. 20, in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. 

The bulk of the deployment is in support of B-1 operations in Southwest Asia with members coming from the 9th Bomb and 7th Operations Support Squadrons, 7th Maintenance and 7th Medical groups. 

The deployment will be a return for many, but a first for some Airmen like Adam Tutt.
"This is the first time I have ever gotten to leave the country," said Airman 1st Class Tutt, 7th Operations Support Squadron. "It's an exciting opportunity for me and a chance for me to do my job (in the AOR.)" 

Not only will this mark his first deployment, but the first time he will be away from his wife and 8-month-old son. 

"Its bitter sweet to leave them, but it is something my wife and I have prepared for since I joined in 2007," said Airman Tutt. 

For Maj. Jeffrey Donhauser, 9th Bomb Squadron pilot, it's never easy leaving his wife and three children to help fight the war on terrorism, but he said just having the opportunity to serve his country in this capacity is reason enough for him and his family to be excited about the deployment. 

"It can be hard having him so far away," said Mrs. Laura Donhauser. "The logistics and the emotional side of having to raise three children while he is gone can be stressful at times. We just remember how sweet the reunion will be and that helps us continue." 

While having a loved one thousands of miles apart can be a stress on the family, Mrs. Donhauser said she wouldn't change a thing. 

'"I always tell people that I signed up for this, so I knew this was a part of it," she said. "Our children, though, didn't sign up for it since they were born into it. I am just so proud of the sacrifice they make to help support their dad in the Air Force. We're all so proud to be a part of this." 

After the Airmen make it to their destination it will make more than 745 deployed from Dyess currently.