134th Deploys to Spangdahlem AB, Germany

Eighty-two members of the 134th ARW recently deployed to Spangdahlem AB, Germany for twelve days of training with their active duty counterparts and the opportunity to visit scenic Europe. Tennessee Air Guardsmen from McGhee Tyson AB, Tennessee worked side by side with the active duty component of the U.S. Air Force in a multitude of career fields which provided them the chance to see how operations are carried out on the active duty side as well as share some of the Air Guard ideas with the personnel at Spangdahlem. The 2010 deployment to Germany was commanded by Lt. Col. Beth Hill, the 134th ARW Support Group Commander and she was assisted by Lt. Col John Tereshko who provided logistics support as well as serving as the ADVON leader prior to the arrival of the unit. Lt. Col. Wally Houser, Chief Master Sgt. Linda Gibson, and Master Sgt. Mary Myers rounded out the deployed command staff. Master Sgt. Timothy Reed kept a watchful eye over the day-to-day activities of the deployed wing, serving as the deployed wing's First Sergeant.

Airmen from McGhee Tyson served in a number of capacities while deployed to the 52nd Fighter Wing but the largest involvement came from the 134th Medical Squadron and the 134th Communications Squadron. The contingent of airmen from the 134th Medical Squadron performed duties ranging from optometry, pediatrics, and physician's assistant to lab technician, flight surgeon, paramedic, and women's health. Medical personnel served at both Spangdahlem AB and its nearby satellite offices at Bitburg AB. The McGhee Tyson medical squadron was represented by Lt. Col. Wally Werner, Maj. Kim Schettler, Maj. Lisa Grover, Maj. David Lusk, Capt. John Geasling, Capt. Kirt Mostettler, Lt. Sarah Seelbinder, Lt. Ben Williams, Master Sgt. Troy Long, Tech. Sgt. Alberto Prudencio, Senior Amn. Jeremy France and Amn 1st Class Amanda Byrd. Biomedical personnel were also along for the deployment as well. Capt. Jon Barrett, Tech. Sgt. Aaron Link, and Tech. Sgt. Bill Rawls assisted with checking water sources for potential biohazardous materials.

Capt. Lee Hamner deployed with a group from the 134th Communications Squadron who assisted their 52nd FW counterparts with maintenance requests and servicing needs for continual communications. Capt. Hamner worked full time to assist 134th personnel with job placement and duty assignments while Master Sgt. Cory Croegart, Master Sgt. Melissa Benson, Staff Sgt.'s Kim Harper, Jon Singleton, John Rode and Jason Stinnett, Senior Amn. Josh Sproles, Jesse Rollins, and Daniel Metcalf, along with A1C Ethan Richardson performed hands-on assignments, working with the 52nd Communications Squadron in different locations around the installation.

The 134th also deployed a number of guardsmen representing the chaplain section, services, vehicle maintenance, contracting, public affairs, finance, the fire department, logistical readiness, aerial porters, finance, and personnel. The Tennessee Air National Guard was represented in a professional, mission-oriented manner by the 134th ARW and everyone from the Wing Commander to the newest airman on McGhee Tyson AB can be proud of the efforts made by this year's deployed team.

The Eifel region of Germany, where Spangdahlem AB can be found, is a beautiful location for airmen to gain experience from a talented and very busy active duty squadron, while also presenting some wonderful travel opportunities that most can only dream of. As usual, the 134th ARW is grateful for the opportunity granted by the 52nd FW at Spangdahlem AB and looks forward to returning in the near future for another learning experience and a chance for the Tennessee Air Guard to show what we can do.