315th reservists activated to support Afghanistan surge

Published April 7, 2010
By 2nd Lt Joe Simms
315th AW Public Affairs

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- More than 250 reservists from the 315th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. assembled in the base theater Tuesday for active duty inprocessing to support the surge of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

The morning meetings covered everything they will need to know for their six month activation including briefings from finance, personnel and other support agencies, as well as updating shots and medical records.

Air Force Reserve Command is mobilizing about 1,000 members in support of the Afghanistan surge.

Local reservists affected by the activations are primarily maintainers, aerial porters and support personnel and will be performing the majority of their duties at home station for the duration of their tour.

"Our members will be fulfilling a variety of jobs allowing aircraft to create a constant air bridge from here to other operating bases, and then directly into the country delivering personnel, equipment and supplies," said Chief Master Sergeant Ben Futrell, 315th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant.

Staff Sergeant Robert Hoffman from the 315th Maintenance Squadron is one of many reservists leaving work or school to support the war effort. Sergeant Hoffman was in the middle of his spring semester at UNC Charlotte when he received the call.

"I have no problem with stopping in the middle of the semester to support the surge. I'm sure I'm doing the right thing," said Sergeant Hoffman. "It's very gratifying to know that we are here helping support the troops on the ground out there in Afghanistan."

For reservists who have been with the 315th for several years, going above and beyond the standard Unit Training Assemblies and annual tour has become the norm.

For Staff Sergeant Benjamin Carter, a machinist with the 315th who resides in Florida, this will be the second time he has been activated.

"When you work on an aircraft all night and see that tail number taking off the next morning as you leave work, it's a great feeling," he said. "I consider it a privilege to be able to come out here and work."

The 315th Airlift Wing has been the lead Reserve wing in terms of moving personnel and equipment since the war effort began in 2003. This time members have been activated to assist the active duty located here at Charleston AFB handle the demands the surge will place upon maintenance and aerial port personnel.

"It's a heavy work load, but that is the level at which we train to perform," said Chief Futrell.