129th RQW – 2009 Afghanistan Deployment – Sun, Sand, and OEF
A little over a week ago approximately 65 Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing boarded 3 C-17‘s from the 446th Airlift Wing and began a 4 month journey to provide combat search and rescue support for Operation Enduring Freedom. The McChord based C-17′s were fully loaded with pilots, aircrew, maintainers, support personnel, three 129th RQS HH-60G‘s, and all of their support equipment. While this deployment is part of regular Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) cycle, it is still hard on the families to see their loved ones leave. The last AEF deployment occurred in 2007. Their sacrifices are deeply appreciated.
Safe Journeys and we’ll see you when you come back! And to the readers of this blog, please leave a comment below wishing our troops well.
May 11th, 2009 at 10:41 am
These deployments always touch me in two ways.
Firstly, as an “ex-zoomie”-Vietnam era, I know what it is like and my heart & soul is with these proud warriors.
Secondly, only just, as a U.S. citizen, my appreciation, respect, honor & prayers goes with with these men & women who chose to serve. We await your safe & successful return.
And a thank you to Sagar, for giving us these poignant and timely images
Dan
May 11th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
DUDE!!!! the night shots are awesome!!! i wish i coulda stayed with ya…. but i had a presentation to prep for!!! oh wells… i’ll just bug you next time! i was nice meeting you and your “assistant” lol
May 11th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Great work as always Sagar.
To my friends in the 129th, Good journey, be safe, and see you in 4 months.
Jon
May 11th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Sagar,
I love the ones with the Pave Hawk inside the C-17, especially the night shots!
Jeff
June 20th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
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