Security forces members return from successful deployment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sonya Padilla
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Eight members of the 36th Security Forces Squadron returned from an eight month deployment at Camp Bucca, Iraq, recently. 

Patrolmen, Airman 1st Class Christopher Baughman and Senior Airman Aaron Woodson, were among the Airmen deployed from Andersen. 

While assigned to the 886th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Camp Bucca, their duties included building compounds, setting up security and checking vehicles at the entry control point. 

"A few things were pretty challenging like being flexible with the work hours, using time management, adjusting to the different kinds of leadership and working with the Army," said Airman Woodson. 

Although physical fitness does play a role in a person's normal day-to-day activities, it's more for servicemembers because they can be tasked for an assignment at different locations that their body might not be acclimated to handle. 

"I definitely feel like being in great shape is really important for us because we have to carry around our weapon and heavy gear in hot weather throughout most of the day," said Airman Baughman. 

With every deployment, comes sacrifices that may or may not be so easy for some Airmen. 

"I enjoyed it in Iraq, but I wish I had the time and opportunity to go home and see my family one more time before I left. That was hard for me," said Airman Baughman. 

Prior to deployment, these Airmen went through nearly two months of intensive training in unarmed self defense, convoy and weapons training at McGregor Range Base Camp, N.M. 

"The training prepared me spiritually, physically and mentally," said Airman Woodson. "We didn't know what to expect." 

Airman Woodson has been to Iraq twice and feels he has a different outlook on things. 

"You learn a lot about camaraderie and how to not take things for granted," he said.
Now that they've returned from Iraq, the Airmen say adjusting to their normal lifestyle isn't easy. 

"When I got back, I just kind of stayed away from people because I felt a little out of place. You get used to it as you come back, but it's just two totally different types of environments," said Airman Baughman.