Ellsworth Airmen deploy to Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  More than 300 Airmen from Ellsworth Air Force Base deployed to Southwest Asia, Jan. 17.

The Airmen will provide operational support to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing during their deployment.

"I've been at Ellsworth for 11 years," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Haynes, 28th Maintenance Squadron electronic warfare systems craftsman. "This is the fourth time I've deployed."

Sergeant Haynes used the time spent waiting to process through the deployment line to spend a few extra minutes with his family. He said after deploying all over the world, saying goodbye has gotten easier.

"You're always anxious about your first deployment," said Chaplain (Maj.) James L. Parrish, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain. "This is my fourth deployment, and right now I'm only anxious about getting there."

Chaplain Parrish will serve as the senior Protestant chaplain at the deployed location. He said the job would be very similar to his duties at Ellsworth.

While Chaplain Parrish and Sergeant Haynes have deployed several times before, for some Airmen this is their first time.

Master Sgt. Charles Stansbury, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron specialist section chief, said an emotional goodbye to his wife, Master Sgt. Jeanna Stansbury, 28th Force Support Squadron sustainment flight superintendent, as he prepared to leave on the six-month deployment. As he wiped the tears from his wife's eyes, he explained that this was his first deployment and also the longest length of time they would be spending apart since they had been married.

"I have to be strong for her," said Sergeant Stansbury as he comforted his wife.

Sergeant Stansbury also said his job, which includes supervising more than 100 Airmen at the deployed location, would keep him very busy, allowing the time to pass quickly.

The deploying Airmen will provide combat support and air cover for servicemembers engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.