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Reservists train, provide holiday mission support

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bobby Pilch
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
INCIRLIK AIRBASE, TURKEY --  With just two days left until Christmas, many people are preparing for holiday dinners, grabbing last-minute gifts and spending time with friends and family.

But one group of reservists assigned to the 315th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Charleston, S.C. took to the sky Thursday to accomplish critical training and bring fellow deployed Airmen home just in time for the holidays.

1st Lt. Howard Crowley, a newly minted flight nurse with the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at JB Charleston and college instructor, describes his experience of leaving his home of Florence, S.C. to obtain needed training during his first overseas mission.

"It's hard sometimes," said Crowley. "Especially since my wife is pregnant with twins, but the mission comes first ... this is what I signed up for. Being a new flight nurse, you have to get training when you can, even though it is the holidays."

While it is hard for Airmen to leave their family behind during the holidays, the stress and concerns weigh heavily on the family members back home.

Tech. Sgt. Michelle Geers, also a new addition to the 315 AES as an aeromedical evacuation technician - her dream job, called one of her sisters just before departing Charleston and described her sister's reaction to the trip.

"She texted me after we hung up and said she burst into tears," said Geers. "She is excited for me but just a little nervous. It is sad to miss the pre-holiday get-together events ... but it is worth it because we are getting great training and this is what we signed up for."

In addition to achieving critical skills training for the flight and medical crews, mission maximization was achieved by bringing home nearly 20 Airmen who were deployed here just in time for Christmas.

Capt. Stan Schmotzer, aircraft commander and pilot assigned to the 701st Airlift Squadron, touched on what this mission meant to him and the role he and his Airmen play day in and day out as reservists.

"You're always needed and that's why you are here," said Schmotzer. "You're never forgotten and always supported. We understand the sacrifice."

"We are one big unit and family," said Schmotzer. "Especially in the reserve."