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Welcome to my blog, where I share family devotions, short novellas, discuss book quotes, or share excerpts from my latest journalistic reporting. I find that faith and literature inspires and guides me on my journey of growth and self-discovery. Join me as we explore the power of books together.

Expeditionary fire muster showcases firefighter’s might

by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs[gallery type="rectangular" ids="2364,2362,2363,2365,2366,2367,2368"]10/1/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Service members deployed to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here participated in a “Fire Muster” Sept. 28 hosted by the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department.

 More than 80 service members in 20 teams pitted their might in a firefighting flavored challenge wrestling everything from hoses and tires to water buckets and fire trucks. “It was a good turnout,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Moore, a 379th ECES firefighter deployed from Dover Air Force Base, Del., and a Pana, Ill., native. “Most people don’t realize how much our equipment weighs and what we do on a day-to-day basis. This event really showed them what it takes to be a firefighter out here.” Taking home the trophy, “We Got Worms,” won the event overall. Teams consisted of four members and had to have at least one female on their team. “It was a great opportunity to experience what it means to be a deployed firefighter and I had a blast competing,” said Capt. Jordan Tribble, the 379th AEW wing section commander deployed from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., and a Midwest City, Okla., native. “It was challenging, but in the end my team was fortunate enough to take home the crown -- a big thank you to the firefighters and ECES for putting on the event.”
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Deployed maintainers return damaged aircraft to combat operations

by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
hits the fan, we've got to be ready to go."And ready to go they were when recently a C-130J Super Hercules landed at a remote forward operating base in Afghanistan."It was so damaged that we couldn't save it and get it flying again," said Hartley. "So we assisted in the salvage operations."Hartley and his team were able to recover 250 components totaling more than $20 million retrieving items ranging from engines and propellers to avionics equipment and other electrical items."Those avionics boxes can cost anywhere from $100,000 to more than $1 million," he said. "So we were able to get it all boxed up and shipped home, effectively saving the Air Force millions of dollars."Long days aside, the mission wasn't easy."During our time there, the base sustained a number of indirect fire hits," said Hartley. "The particular FOB we were at is a high-threat area getting mortar attacks every other day."The aircraft still had nearly 3,500 pounds of fuel on board, making it vitally important to maintain situational awareness."It was scary," Hartley said. "We actually dug a fox hole and when the alarms sounded, we'd hit the deck running."ABDR is a sticky business, but someone has to respond, repair and get Air Force jets combat ready in the war time environment."This ABDR unit is the only major package for the entire U.S. Central Command area of responsibility," said Hartley. "It's a huge obligation, but we're definitely here and eager to help. We repair jets to get them back in the fight. I mean, how cool is that?"
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