49th CES- Firefighter Returning From Deployment

Airman 1st Class Christopher Hoogerwerf and Airman 1st Class Gianno Nogueras are greeted by the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron's Commander, Lt Col Michael Myers on July 19 Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The firefighters return from a four month deploment to Manas Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Anthony Nelson Jr)

Holloman Firefighters Return from Deployment

Published July 24, 2008
By Senior Airman Anthony Nelson Jr
49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Family, friends and wing leadership welcomed home six firefighters from the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron July 19 here after a recent four month deployment to Manas Air Base, Kyrgz Republic.

For some this was the first deployment, for others it was just another trip to the "sandbox". One of the Airmen even had the opportunity to put his self-aid and buddy care training to good use.

Airman 1st Class Cory Upmann, provided self aid and buddy care to a fellow Airman who was injured while on duty. Later Airman Upmann assisted the Airman to the base clinic for further treatment.

"The training we received back at Holloman, gave me what I needed to be able to take care of my wingman," He said.

Team chief and group leader, Staff Sgt. James Mullis, said their deployment was an exciting experience for both him and his Airmen.

The fire station at Manas AB was in a transition period and was beginning to outsource civilian contractors. "We spent time escorting our host nation counterparts, and civilian contractors while they were on the base," said Sergeant Mullis.

The Airmen also had several opportunities to support quality of life improvement projects such as building dugouts, gazebos and other self- help projects during their deployment-- something they said was unexpected.