KABUL, Afghanistan –
Tech. Sgt. Catherine Cordero
Home Unit: Headquarters Air Combat Command A3
What do you do? Personnel Recovery Coordination Center-Afghanistan Watchkeeper
What's a day in the life like? 12-hour watch daily
What will you remember about your deployment 20 years from now? The friends I have made
What's the most useful item you packed? My flashlight
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment? When they asked my blood type for the first MOVECON
What has been the highlight of your tour? Working with all the NATO personnel
What's the best part of the deployment? Visiting the local children in the hospital
The worst part? Having to order basic necessities online because there is no store
What new survival skill have you learned? Always be on your guard
What do you do during down time? Go to the gym and Skype with family
What is the first thing you will do when you return? Spend some time with my husband and children
What is the first thing you will eat when you return? A big salad with lettuce that is green
What insight experience will you take away from your time over there? How well we all work together, despite being of different countries and different branches of service, for a common goal.
What do you miss the most? My family
How is your job that you are doing now different from the job back stateside? Here I must be able to react quickly to any situation involving isolated personnel to ensure rescue assets are on scene as soon as possible.
Have you tried the local cuisine? No
What do you think about what you hear on the news from what is going on stateside? The earthquake in Haiti was upsetting to all here, it is good to see everyone pulling together to help.
Do you have plans for any extra money that you might be making from this deployment? We plan on spending some time in Florida when I get back
About when are you to return? May/June