JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq –
Senior Airman Joseph Hicks
Home Unit: 1st Operations Support Squadron/ 71st Aircrew Flight Equipment
Location: Balad, Iraq
What do you do? Aircrew Flight Equipment
What's a day in the life like ... while in (where ever)? Wake up, work 12-14 hour shift, head to the gym, study for school, call family back home, go to sleep, seven days a week
What's the most useful item you packed? Sunblock and IPod
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment? When I stepped off the plane and all I saw was the color orange from the sandstorm - it was like that for four days straight.
What has been the highlight of your tour? Running in the Air Force Marathon for deployed locations
What's the best part of the deployment? Meeting everyone from different bases, branches & locals
The worst part? Unfortunately my roommate. He is loud and does not have a pleasant odor to him. Sorry.
What do you do during down time? Work out, study for school and staff sergeant test, go to events held by the base theater and ,of course, sleep
What is the first thing you will eat when you return? Mango Habannerro Chicken from Buffalo Wild Wings
What do you miss the most? Privacy, Internet that is actually reliable, grass and fresh air
How is your job that you are doing now different from the job back stateside? Slightly different equipment to inspect and keep track of, plus it's a brand new aircraft. (MC-12)
Have you tried the local cuisine? Yes, unfortunately, I am not a fan.
What do you think about what you hear on the news from what is going on stateside? I think it's funny to see that more people want to know about how Taylor Swift felt after Kanye West interrupted her at the VMA's. Then something that effects everyone, i.e. This Health Care Plan issue...(Although Kanye was wrong in what he did, let the girl have her moment to shine)
Do you have plans for any extra money that you might be making from this deployment? Buying furniture for my apartment and saving to take a trip for my birthday in January