MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION, Minn. -- Aircrew and maintainers of the 934th Airlift Wing deployed to the EUCOM area of responsibility on Feb. 16, 2022.
The Airmen were mobilized to satisfy a short-notice deployment as part of prudent steps the United States is taking to heighten the readiness of its forces at home and abroad so they are prepared to respond to a range of contingencies.
Because the wing is currently outside of its normal deployment cycle, upon notification, the wing sought volunteers to fill this current tasking.
“I’m so proud of our Airmen,” said Col. Chris Lay, 934th Airlift Wing commander. “Each one of our Airmen who just departed, volunteered for this mobilization.”
As a lethal, combat-ready force, the Air Force Reserve plays an integral role in global and national security, providing critical capabilities both at home and abroad demonstrated many times in current and past operations.
“As an ‘Organize-Train-and Equip’ Airlift Wing, our ability to project combat power largely depends on the individual readiness of each Reserve Citizen Airman; and all of our volunteers just proved that although we are a Reserve force, we stand ready to execute our mission and provide worldwide tactical airlift and combat support,” Lay said.
Maj. Erik Anderson, 934th Maintenance Squadron commander, sent a notification out to his maintainers asking for volunteers again and according to Anderson, the response was quite overwhelming.
“I know everyone is extremely excited to be here. This is a complete volunteer effort. Especially after Saturday, the number of people that raised their hand was absolutely impressive. When we got the number of people that came back after we were turned off on Friday, it brought tears to my eyes. I was extremely proud,” said Anderson.
Although many of our Airmen have deployment experience, for Senior Airman Walter Cornelius, 934th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment technician, this is his first deployment.
“Everyone here has been on several deployments. It’s been nice learning from them,” said Cornelius.
#Regardless of the short notice, Cornelius said the process was well organized and all their training was completed within three days.
“Everyone here has been really helpful with keeping me up to standard with how everything works because I am new,” Cornelius said.