SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq –
Staff Sgt. Azeez Oguntade
Home Unit: Headquarters Air Combat Command Protocol
What do you do? I provide executive support to the 447th Air Expeditionary Group commander at Sather Air Base, Iraq. I deal with a variety of distingushed visitors and celebrities on a daily basis, all in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
What's a day in the life like ... while in Iraq? "Déjà vu"; It's like Groundhog Day. 12-16 hours at work every day, sometimes even on my one day off per week.
What will you remember about your deployment 20 years from now? The successes we've made in Iraq. Most importantly, Operation Proper Exit, a program that brings wounded warriors back to Iraq to visit the location where they got injured so they could find emotional closure. It's a heartfelt event and I was glad to be a part of it.
What's the most useful item you packed? An extra alarm clock -- unfortunately my wife can't give me wake up calls while I'm here!
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment? After boarding a C-130 from Al Udeid to Baghdad and while getting ready for takeoff, one of the passengers almost had a panic attack because of past bad experiences while flying. I knew it was going to be a long flight to Baghdad.
What has been the highlight of your tour? The opportunity to pilot big projects -- thanks to my leadership for trusting me. I basically put the "pro" in Protocol.
What's the best part of the deployment? I get to study for promotion and complete some of my post-graduate studies without the distractions I find at home.
The worst part? Being away from my family, especially my wife Aminat.
What new survival skill have you learned? I've learned to be more aware of my surroundings and reporting any suspicious activities immediately.
What do you do during down time? I study for promotion and my two post-graduate courses.
What is the first thing you will do when you return? Call my family!
What is the first thing you will eat when you return? Thai food and Chicken Kung Pao... I can't wait!
What insight experience will you take away from your time over there? There's no shortcut to success. With hard work and determination, you can achieve anything.
What do you miss the most? I really miss my family; my dad, mom, wife, brothers, sisters and my three nieces.
How is your job that you are doing now different from the job back stateside? It's the same process different tempo. I spend half of my work day on the flight line assisting with transportation for distinguished visitors.
Have you tried the local cuisine? No. I don't leave base unless on official business.
What do you think about what you hear on the news from what is going on stateside? I wish I could do more to help with the economy and the environment.
Do you have plans for any extra money that you might be making from this deployment? I plan to donate 25 percent, save 25 percent and spend the remaining 50 percent on my wife.
About when are you to return? May 2010.