Holloman Airmen prepare to deploy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Kocin
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Eighty Holloman Airmen processed through a deployment line here Aug. 24 in preparation for the upcoming Air and Space Expeditionary Force cycle. 

More than 700 Holloman Airmen are deploying across the world in support of the War on Terror. 

The processing line prepares deployers by providing them with services such as finance, legal and meeting with a chaplain. 

Holloman is bringing many specialties to the fight overseas. 

Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gepford, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron, is deploying as utilities Airman. "There would be no running water without us coming to support the base, he said." 

This is the first deployment for many of the Airmen, most of whom entered service after 9/11. 

"The most challenging part in leaving the United States," said Airman 1st Class William Beck, 49 CES. "I don't know what to expect." 

Many Airmen are also leaving their families behind for the first time during the AEF cycle. 

"Being away from family will be difficult," said Airman Gepford. "But I will keep in touch by phone and email." 

Others who have been deployed before find other challenges to conquer. 

"Getting used to the weather and extreme heat over there is always difficult," said Tech. Sgt. John Profitt, 49 CES. 

The bulk of these deployers are scheduled to leave between September and October.