Two Air Force combat heroes inspire Holloman Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Two Air Force combat veterans visited Holloman Aug. 17 to share their experiences from the front lines of the War on Terror and discuss their motivations for staying in uniform with a standing room only crowd during a Warrior Call at the Enlisted Club. 

While many in the audience considered Master Sgt. Eric Brandenburg and Tech. Sgt. Israel DelToro heroes, they said they were just doing their jobs. 

Sergeant Brandenburg, a tactical air control party Airman, earned a Silver Star for his essential role in a three-day firefight in Iraq, March 2003. Sergeant DelToro, also a TACP Airman, earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his efforts after an improvised explosive device exploded under his vehicle and gave him third-degree burns on more than 80 percent of his body while in Afghanistan, December 2005. 

Even though both warriors have been through a lot, they each have their own reasons for wanting to stay in the world's greatest Air Force. 

"Having the ability to directly affect the battle field motivates me," said Sergeant Brandenburg. "We are the ones out there killing the bad guys. I like being around our guys in TACP, because we shape the war." 

Sergeant DelToro's reasons for wanting to stay in the Air Force are much different than Sergeant Brandenburg's. 

"The camaraderie is amazing," he said. "When I got hurt, I had people from all over the world come visit me and help out my wife. Outside the military you won't get that. 

"When you're out there - whether Air Force, Army, Navy or Marine - you're all brothers, all military. You're all fighting the fight." 

The sergeants have many deployed experiences between them and had advice for all Airmen getting ready to deploy. 

"It's a different Air Force," said Sergeant DelToro. "We're not in Lalaland. You got to stay in shape and stay busy." 

Airmen at the Warrior Call enjoyed the war stories told and were motivated by them. 

"I appreciated the uncut stories they told," said 2nd Lt. Brett Flickinger, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "It wasn't politically correct and diluted; they told us what really happened. The stories really gave you something to reflect on and put in your memory banks for those times when you think you just can't hang on any longer or push any farther. It was an honor to be there." 

The warriors even inspired young Airmen who aren't on the frontlines in combat. 

"They inspired me to do the best that I can do," said Airman 1st Class Kathy Kinney, 49th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate Office. "Because what I do for the Air Force can never compare to what they have done. And despite everything, they still have the courage to stay in. If they can keep serving their country after everything they have both done, then sitting at my desk and doing my job is the least that I can do. I only hope that when, not if, it comes time for me to serve overseas, I will have half the courage and determination that they do."