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72nd Security Forces Squadron Airmen leave for Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Fourteen 72nd Security Forces Squadron defenders left for a six-month deployment Sept. 4. Two days before, Col. Bob LaBrutta and Command Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Vegas of the 72nd Air Base Wing stopped by to wish safe travels to the defenders.
Meeting in Bldg. 1128 with Col. Paul Waugh, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center vice commander, the air base wing senior leaders joked with and reassured the deploying Airmen.

"What I see before me are wingmen, leaders, warriors -- I am so proud to be on your team," said Colonel LaBrutta, 72nd ABW and installation commander. "Your job is to get into the theater, complete the mission of the United States Air Force to the best of your abilities and get home safely. Everybody has to be committed to that. We don't leave anyone behind.

"When you're in theater, I want your total focus on the mission at hand; because it's dangerous, you know that. The bottom line is we need everyone to get back here," Colonel LaBrutta said. "We need you, there's no doubt about that. But, more importantly, your families need you back home safely."

During their deployment to the Middle East, the defenders will work an Army tasking performing base defense for an air base.

Chief Vegas, 72nd ABW command chief, prayed with the defenders, peers, leadership and families.

"God, we ask a special blessing on these warriors as they go forth and do great things. We just ask that you put a hedge of protection around each and every one of them," the chief said. "Let them be assured in their new purpose in their new area of responsibility. Let them be mindful and understand that this family that stands here, that circles them today are going to take care of their loved ones while they're away."

Tech. Sgt. Ivan Lucero who leaves behind his wife, Staff Sgt. Danielle Lucero also of the 72nd SFS, said the holidays will be tough but through internet voice calls and other communication means, he'll be in touch. "I love her very much and even though I'll be gone an extended period of time, she'll never be off my mind."

Sergeant Lucero's wife shared his sentiments. "Of course I don't want him to go, he's my world; I love him."

But, she knows deployment is part of and Airman's job.