911th Reservist’s deploy for Overseas Contingency Operations

Published Jan. 28, 2010
By Master Sgt. Mark A. Winklosky
911 AW/PA

PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- Nearly 300 members from the 911th Airlift Wing deployed early January 2010 to various parts of the world to take part in a four-month deployment to the Area of Responsibility in support of overseas contingency operations. No sooner did the new year get started when multiple aircrews, numerous maintenance personnel, aerial porters and
other support functions were tasked to bid farewell and say their good-byes with hugs, kisses and some tears."It's hard for the Reservist's to say good-bye, but they know
where they're going and what they have to do," said Col. Gordon H. Elwell, Jr., 911th AW commander. "The families are the one's who will be left trying to fill the void of their missing loved one. Spouse's trying to fullfill the role of both parents is no easy task," he said. "They have it much harder." "Time goes by quickly because there are really only four things to do when you're deployed," said Col. James B. Hurley, 911th Mission Support Group commander. "It's simple: you eat, sleep, work and do whatever else it is
that fills the rest of your day," he said. "They'll be back before you know it, and their families will be here to great them when they return home," he said.