AL DHAFRA AIR BASE, United Arab Emirates –
Master Sgt. Wendi Atchley
Home Unit: Air Combat Command A4
What do you do? Logistics Plans
What's a day in the life like? Start the day with physical training, followed by breakfast, which is wonderful! I pull the daily In-Outbound schedule of intra-theater air lift for the base and then post the information for the units to see when their replacements are going to arrive. I then enjoy lunch with coworkers in the Army mess tent. The afternoon is spent coordinating with the deployed unit deployment managers on the swap out of their personnel that support the AWACS, Global Hawk, KC-10 and U-2 missions. The evenings are spent with coworkers out in the recreation areas enjoying the events that the EFSS staff has arranged (Bingo, poker tournaments, and ping pong).
What will you remember about your deployment 20 years from now? The great people that are here with you. It is such a diverse crowd! We have a pretty big Air National Guard population here at Al Dhafra. Getting to know them and discovering the jobs these Airmen hold has been truly fascinating. I've met lots of school teachers, some small business owners, a yacht builder and even a gentleman that is the head pastry chef of a resort in Florida. I have such respect for these folks that have put their lives on hold for six months to serve with us. These folks are from the heart of America and are just the most wonderful bunch of professionals!
What's the most useful item you packed? Shower shoes and extra running shoes
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment? Not having my i-Phone at my fingertips
What has been the highlight of your tour? Getting to meet the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen. I really feel that he has the best interests of our fighting force as one of his highest priorities. This gives our deployed forces a sense of purpose and re-ignites their dedication to the mission at hand.
What's the best part of the deployment? Meeting new people and working at the squadron level again.
The worst part? Missing my son's high school graduation ... the toughest part for sure
What new survival skill have you learned? Getting dressed by flashlight
What do you do during down time? Study, go to the gym and help out with Top 3 and other base committees as much as I can
What is the first thing you will do when you return? Go shopping
What is the first thing you will eat when you return? Berry Body Frozen Yogurt
What insight experience will you take away from your time over there? Behind every ULN is an Airman, and that Airman plays a critical part in the fight.
What do you miss the most? Wearing regular clothes
How is your job that you are doing now different from the job back stateside? Since I'm on the staff back home, the job here in the expeditionary logistics readiness squadron has given me a chance to work more closely as a team with Supply, Transportation, POL and ATOC. It has given me a chance to really get back into the squadron level again, which is nice. I feel that I can now relate more with our folks in the field once I get back home.
Have you tried the local cuisine? Yes, and I am a huge fan of the soft bread with the hummus and eggplant dips
Do you have plans for any extra money that you might be making from this deployment? Maybe a new car for our son, who graduates in May
About when are you to return? July