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***image1***Deployments can be tough, but with the expected hardships come some unexpected rewards. The 37th Airlift Squadron learned this firsthand as approximately 45 members returned and 130 prepare to leave.
“I have always thought deploying was a good thing for a squadron,” said Capt. Maggie Howard, 37th AS navigational flight commander, who stayed an extra two months. “Being there is not always the thing you want to be doing, but living and working so closely together, you learn things about each other you normally would not learn back at home. Deployments have a way of bringing the squadron together.”
Molding as a whole leads to group improvement, and can lead to individual improvement as well. The 37th AS hit the spotlight more than once downrange, producing two Airmen of the month, one company grade officer of the month and the team of the month. The squadron also claimed the 86th Airlift Wing CGO and Airman of the Year.
During their time away from home, deployed members stacked accomplishments and milestones.
“Our deployment coincided with the success of the first free elections in Iraq. It was an extreme honor to do our part,” said Capt. John Schutte, 37th AS. “I gained a real appreciation for the strength of our Air Force, where people from all walks of life come together to enable and ensure the success of our wartime tasking.”
As a C-130 navigator, Captain Schutte, and his crew members hauled troops and cargo essential to the warfighting efforts into Iraq.
Throughout the AEF cycle one and two, several holidays came and went. But members learned to keep their heads up and press on to accomplish the mission.
“It’s not easy being deployed over the holidays,” said Captain Howard. “The deployed areas do what they can to keep spirits high and make the most of the holiday season. It’s easy to get carried away with Christmas trees, lights, eggnog, etc. But what you really learn here is that all that really matters is being together.”
