Reservists train, provide holiday mission support

by Senior Airman Bobby Pilch
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office

12/23/2013 - INCIRLIK AIRBASE, TURKEY -- During the week before Christmas, many Americans are preparing for holiday dinners, grabbing last-minute gifts and spending time with friends and family.

But one group of reservists assigned to the 315th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Charleston, S.C., took to the sky Dec. 19 to accomplish critical training and bring fellow deployed Airmen home in time for the holidays.

First Lt. Howard Crowley, a newly minted flight nurse with Charleston's 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and college instructor, left his home in Florence, S.C., to obtain needed training during his first overseas mission.

"It's hard sometimes," he said, "especially since my wife is pregnant with twins, but the mission comes first ... this is what I signed up for. Being a new flight nurse, you have to get training when you can, even though it is the holidays."

While it can be difficult for Airmen to leave their families behind during the holidays, the stress and concerns weigh heavily on the family members back home, too.

Tech. Sgt. Michelle Geers is new to the 315th AES as an aeromedical evacuation technician. It's a dream job for her. One of her sisters called her before she left the base, and she described her sister's reaction to the trip.

"She texted me after we hung up and said she burst into tears," said Geers. "She is excited for me but just a little nervous. It is sad to miss the pre-holiday get-together events ... but it is worth it because we are getting great training and this is what we signed up for."

Nearly 20 Airmen achieved critical skills on the trip.

Capt. Stan Schmotzer, aircraft commander and pilot assigned to the 701st Airlift Squadron, touched on what this mission meant to him and the role he and his Airmen play day in and day out as reservists.

"You're always needed, and that's why you are here," said Schmotzer. "You're never forgotten and always supported. We understand the sacrifice.

"We are one big unit and family," he said. "Especially in the Reserve."