Aerial port sends final group to Bagram

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  For some it would be their first time out while others are two-time, plus veterans. All had the same concerns about separation and safety, but pushed those concerns aside to savor their last hours with family and friends. 

Jan. 23, more than 14 aerial port members assigned to the 35th and 88th Aerial Port Squadrons here departed for a 120-day deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.
The group was the last component of more than 70 Reserve members assigned to the 514th Air Mobility Wing here, to deploy in support of Air Expeditionary Force 9/10. 

Prior to leaving, the group gathered at the combined squadron building for a farewell luncheon with family, friends and co-workers. Many voiced their eagerness to begin the deployment. 

“I’m anticipating getting the job done,” said Staff Sgt. Lance Heffington of the 88th APS. The sergeant clarified that getting the job done meant everything from departing, arriving and making the transition in the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, the aerial porter’s deployed unit. 

The sergeant has good reason to get this assignment behind him. Upon returning he expects to be greeted not only by his finance but also by their newborn son whose birth date is predicted to fall shortly before his return date. 

Although currently not expecting any more children, Staff Sgt. Edwin Tirado and wife, Yvette, are relieved this deployment will be shorter than the first time they were separated. As parents of three girls, Sergeant Tirado said during his first deployment to Iraq in 2002 when he was in the Army serving as security in direct combat support, the separation was hard on his wife. 

“This time the anxiety is less and we’re a lot more prepared,” said the Orange County corrections officer from Brooklyn, N.Y. 

Unlike her ex-Army co-worker, Master Sgt. Leonda Aponte of the 35th APS said this is her first overseas deployment. 

“Everybody has to experience this,” said the air terminal operations center superintendent. “Not that I want to go to war, but how are you going to train your troops to react (in a deployed environment) when you’ve never been there,” she said. 

Sergeant Aponte’s husband, Technical Sgt. Richard Aponte is assigned to the 88th APS and understands the work his spouse is about to perform. 

“I have already gone. She’s never done anything and wanted this opportunity,” he said. “I have the easy part ,” he said referring to his sole care of their two daughters during his wife’s absence. 

The group joined other 514th AMW aerial porters at Bagram AB where they will run the entire aerial port operations.