MAXWELL

Members of the 908th Airlift Wing are greeted Jan. 10 prior to embarking on a C-130 by Chief Master Sgt. Garth Meade, 42nd Air Base Wing command chief; Col. Paul Knapp, voce commander of the 908th Airlift Wing; U.S. Rep. Martha Roby and Col. Trent Edwards, 42 Air Base Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Jerry Lobb)

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MAXWELL

Lt. Col. Travis Zimmer of the 908th Airlift Wing, along with wife, Amy, react as Lt. Gen. David Fadok, commander and president of Air University shares his three-star cover with the Zimmer's daughter, Florence, prior to the deployment of Airmen from the 908th Jan. 10. (U.S. Air Force photo by Gene H. Hughes)

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908th deploys more than 100 Airmen

Published Jan. 18, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Sandi Percival
908th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- -- After months of training and planning, more than 100 members of the 908th Airlift Wing deployed to Southwest Asia last week.

"We've been preparing for this deployment for over a year," said Tech. Sgt. Dwayne Curtis, 908th Reserve Deployment Readiness Cell NCO in charge. "A lot of work went into making sure they were ready to go out the door."

The last of the airmen flew out on C130's Jan. 10 after a heartfelt farewell gathering attended by U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers from Anniston and Martha Roby from Montgomery.

"I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart thank you for what you do. To the wives and husbands and children of all of you leaving today, we're here for you during this deployment and we want you to call on us if there is ever anything we can do to make this time less burdensome for you," said Roby.

Rogers said that he is honored to represent the members of the 908th, and wished them a safe deployment.

The deploying Airmen bid farewell to their loved ones and loaded onto the C-130's.

The Airmen will be deployed for four months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Col. Brett Clark, commander of the 908th Airlift Wing, said he has full confidence in these airmen and looks forward to their safe return.