Boots on the ground Published March 21, 2006 By Maj. Bill Walsh 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SOUTHWEST ASIA -- It’s hot, dry, windy and dangerous. As you walk around, the sand blows in your face and stings like it would at the beach. But this is no beach. This is where Team Charleston members are playing a vital role in the War on Terror, thousands of miles from home. Chief Master Sgt. Tim Plemmons of the 84th Aerial Port Squadron moves around this busy place watching his troops carefully, full of pride in what they are doing and have accomplished so far. “This is the job,” he said while sweating in the baking sun. “Putting boots on the ground, supporting them, and moving the members forward.” Chief Plemmons, the port supervisor, also makes note that one of the most important things they do at this port is pushing the airlift to its max to save lives. “Every plane we send up is one less convoy on the ground and that saves lives,” said the Chief. This could not be a truer statement. Convoy duty in Iraq is literally, one of the most dangerous jobs in the world right now. Team Charleston members are driving those convoys on ten day missions which take them across the country from one end to the other. The work goes on; day and night. “We’re the benchmark port in the A.O.R.,” the chief with 26 years of experience dating back to Vietnam stated unequivocally. Capt. Peter Cavellos of the 84th Aerial Port Squadron is the officer in charge and is well aware that this all volunteer effort could become a model for future deployments. “It’s all reserves and all volunteers running the busiest port in theater,” he explained as we walked around the flight line. “We are being looked at very closely by the Air Force to see if this works and I can tell you that it does.” When you look at the numbers they are astonishing. In one twenty four hour period, this group of volunteer warriors had 95 missions, handled 2,450 passengers and moved 140 tons of cargo. “This team right here makes it happen,” said Capt. Cavellos. Being over six thousand miles away from home is not easy. These members of the 315th Airlift Wing are making big sacrifices to support our nation. “I miss things,” said SSgt. Devin Ward who lives in Myrtle Beach when he’s not pulling reserve duty. “There are no real places to go out here. I’m going to take a month off when I get back and do nothing.” While working twelve hour days, 12 to 12, there is not much time to take off even if you could. The troops work, eat and sleep. What little time they have off can be spent at the fitness center or a place called “The Flex,” which is a small recreation facility with comfortable couches, a big screen TV and some pool tables. The smell of popcorn spreads throughout the little metal building brining troops a little sense of home. “Privacy is what I miss most,” explained Tech. Sgt. Cindy Williams of Charleston’s 38th Aerial Port Squadron. “I have two roommates in a very small space,” she said. The small rooms are in modular, mobile home type trailers. Others live in open bay tents with six to eight of their closest friends. At least they will be by the time the deployment is over. There are no bathrooms in the tents. Those lucky airmen and women have to hike over to something called a “Cadillac.” The Cadillac is a mobile bathroom with sinks and showers. Better though, than a typical shower tent. Hiking to the bathroom at three o’clock in the morning is a challenge in itself with the wind blowing, very little light and not knowing what might crawl out from under these places. Flashlights are a must. “When I deployed, my fifteen year old son gave me a dog tag with his name on it. I carry it everywhere I go,” noted Capt. Cavellos as he headed back to join the Charleston team of aerial porters whom he is proud to lead.