JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq. –
Staff Sgt. Keiyata Styerjames
Home Unit: 71st Fighter Squadron
What do you do? I'm an Independent Duty Medical Technician for a C-130 squadron
What's a day in the life like ... while in (where ever)? Work is usually from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. I alternate between administering Go and No-Go Pills to the various aircrew here on base, giving vaccines, treating illnesses and injuries and in-processing or out-processing individuals. After work, I do some type of exercise, watch movies and then sleep.
What will you remember about your deployment 20 years from now? The dust storm that lasted three days
What's the most useful item you packed? Two pairs of running shoes and my Ipod
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment? Stepping off the plane in Qatar and it was 110 degrees at 11 a.m.
What has been the highlight of your tour? Providing medical care to those that need it
What's the best part of the deployment? The people that I have encountered and learning the mission of a C-130 squadron
The worst part? Adjusting to the environment
What new survival skill have you learned? Patience
What do you do during down time? Read and surf the Internet
What is the first thing you will do when you return? Relax
What is the first thing you will eat when you return? PF Chang's
What insight/experience will you take away from your time over there? Never get complacent in your environment, things can change when you least expect it.
How is your job that you are doing now different from the job back stateside? It is almost the same except that I have more hands-on experience here as an IDMT
What do you think about what you hear on the news from what is going on stateside? I think about all the Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers risking their lives for freedom and how many people in the world seem to take that for granted.
Do you have plans for any extra money that you might be making from this deployment? Save it for a rainy day
About when are you to return? Mid to late October