Reserve 'Defenders' return from Kyrgyzstan deployment

by Tech. Sgt. Stephen J. Collier
310th Space Wing Public Affairs

5/6/2014 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Streaming tears, grinning faces and a patriotic fervor greeted a contingent of 310th Security Forces Squadron members May 3, as they redeployed from Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Air Force Reservists, together with members of the Peterson AFB-based 302nd SFS, arrived at the Colorado Springs Airport to family members and their fellow Citizen Airmen alike, something Senior Airman Levi Milstead didn't expect.

"It feels good to be back, I'm enjoying it," said Milstead while holding his infant son. "He's definitely grown, that's for sure. It just feels good to be back."

The Airmen were deployed to the Transit Center at Manas, located in the Kyrgyz Republic. While deployed, the Airmen provided for the location's integrated base defense systems. They also provided for the Center's physical security as well as its antiterrorism and force protection measures.

The Transit Center is scheduled to close July 2014, marking more than 12 years of operations in support of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

As a lead up to their deployment, the Airmen attended Silver Flag Alpha, a specialized two-week security training course at Nellis AFB, Nevada. The Airmen deployed January 15, which was long enough for Alexis Stewart, the wife of Senior Airman Trevor Stewart.

"I'm excited (to have him back) obviously, but we all get into our routine and (his return has) been making me antsy," she said. "I just want to go home and relax and have him back in my life. He's the sweetest and most caring man I've ever met."

Milstead's father, retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert Milstead, said he and his family were also excited to have his son back.

"It's fantastic! We missed him," he said. "We were glad he got the opportunity to deploy, but we're just happy to have him back safe and sound. Once we get home, we've got ribs and shrimp gumbo for him. We're just proud that he wanted to follow in the family's footsteps about serving their country."