442nd CES deployment

Col. Eric Overturf, 442nd Fighter Wing cvommander, sees off approximately 35 reservists from the wing's civil engineers squadron, July 30 as they head to Texas for combat skills training prior to deployment. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise)

Civil engineers head to Texas, prepare for deployment

Published Aug. 3, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf
442nd Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Approximately 35 reservists from the 442nd Civil Engineers Squadron boarded a C-130 Hercules, July 30 and headed to Fort Bliss, Texas, where they will attend three weeks of combat skills training prior to leaving for Afghanistan.

The Citizen Airmen, who have been preparing for the deployment for more than six months, will be operating in forward locations to maintain facilities outside the local bases.

In preparation for the deployment, the 442nd Fighter Wing worked with the Airmen to ensure their families are cared for during their time overseas.

The reservists were able to spend additional time with their families at Missions End, the base club here, July 28, where the wing commander, Col. Eric Overturf, and the Whiteman Base Community Council president, Jesse Kellock, gave some parting words and reassurance to family members who may be experiencing a deployment for the first time.

"Our communities are here for you," Kellock said. "Let me know if there is anything any of us can do to help you while your family member is deployed."