7th Bomb Wing deploys to Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Gene Lappe
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  More than 300 members of the 7th Bomb Wing deployed Friday for a six-month rotation to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. 

As individuals waited to board the aircraft and depart, many expressed a wide variety of emotions, but most said they were looking forward to the experience. 

"I am excited about going," said Airman 1st Class Whitney Bucklew, 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron armament flight. "It is a good deployment for my first one." 

Senior Airman Bryan Kessler, 7th Munitions Squadron armament flight, is leaving for his third deployment, and said he had mixed emotions about going but he was ready. 

"While he is ready to go, I don't have any pre-conceived expectations about the deployment," he said. "Not having any pre-conceived ideas about the deployment allows me to handle what ever comes my way and get the job done." 

Many of the deployers are leaving behind families to support the war. 

Technical Sgt. Michael Brady, 7th MUNS armament flight, is leaving his wife and 2 sons as he leaves on his fifth deployment. 

"It used to be tough on my sons when I deployed, but now that they are older, they understand what I am doing and why," he said. "My wife and sons all have a great attitude about my deployments and support me." 

"Knowing my family supports what I an doing helps me focus on my job and prevents some of the stresses associated with a typical deployment," he added.