Army recognizes airmens efforts Published March 10, 2004 396th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs SOUTHWEST ASIA (ACCNS) -- Two 386th Air Expeditionary Wing members recently earned Army Commendation Medals from the 94th Movement Control Team here. Master Sgt. Donald Easthouse and Staff Sgt. Wendi Atchley, both members of the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, were honored for their support of the sister services Rest and Relaxation mission. The Army awarded the medals to them for their selfless service and dedication to duty, said Army Capt. Stephanie Turos, 94th MCT. Their tireless efforts ensured a successful Task Force Operation beginning December 20, when given only 18 hours notice to open this base as an R&R Aerial Port of Departure. Area 51, as the Army refers to it, is a hub for giving soldiers a break from the rigors of combat sending soldiers before sending them to the United States or to various other regions. A lot of work needed to be accomplished before the area was suitable for its mission. We spent a lot of time with the Army getting Area 51 up and running, said Sergeant Atchley. The Army now has a great process in place to run the Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment and redeployment missions, and its a great feeling to know that Sergeant Easthouse and I were a part of that. The two Air Force LRS troops helped the Army coordinate billeting, provisions and communications requirements. Working in tandem with different services here became commonplace, according to Sergeant Easthouse. Each day posed new hurdles to overcome to ensure the mission continued unimpeded, he said. We were able to facilitate every aspect of logistical support requirements. I attribute receiving the medal to the entire 386 ELRS, and the 386 AEW. Both Sergeants Atchley and Easthouse described receiving the medal as a complete, but welcome surprise. To receive this type of recognition for our efforts is a highlight in my career, said Sergeant Easthouse. It was the partnership that ensured the success of the mission, according to Sergeant Atchley. We should all be very proud of the joint environment that has put true meaning to the words, one team, one fight, Sergeant Easthouse said.