Deployment expands FAIP's duties

  • Published
  • By Frank McIntyre
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  June 28 wasn't a typical day for first assignment instructor pilot 1st Lt. David Braun, 32nd Flying Training Squadron. That was the day he met Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
None of the days since he deployed Feb. 1 from Vance Air Force Base to Camp Eggers in Kabul, Afghanistan, have been typical for the T-1 instructor pilot.
"It's completely different than anything I've ever done before. For one thing, there's no flying whatsoever," the Belmont, Mass. native said. "It's truly a joint environment -- working with the Army, Navy and Marine Corps as well as the different countries in the coalition forces and their military branches. It's an eye-opening experience seeing how things work in the 'real world,'" he said.
Lieutenant Braun's deployment assignment is as an air liaison officer assigned to the Combined Forces Command - Afghanistan, CJ3 at Camp Eggers. His duties entail the scheduling of all the distinguished visitor intra-theatre air requirements.
"I schedule and coordinate the use of the CH-47, UH-60, UC-35, C-12, C-130, AH-64 escorts, Dutch F-16 escorts, various tanker assets, United Kingdom helicopters, the helicopter landing zones, the forward operating bases and the province reconstruction teams," he said. "I work in the Joint Operations Center, which is manned 24/7 by two crews. I work the nightshirt, 12 to 13 hours a day, seven days a week."
The deployment and associated long hours are what the Vance Class 05-01 graduate wanted. It was entirely his choice.
"I'd just finished debriefing a couple of students and was headed to the snack bar when Maj. Kip Giles, (a former 32nd FTS assistant director of operations) stopped me in the hall and asked if I wanted to go to Afghanistan. I think I surprised him when I said, 'Sure why not.'
"In the Air Education and Training Command world, it's all about training future pilots and the future of the Air Force so they can go out and do their job," the Air Force Academy grad said. "With the war going, I wanted to get out and do something that would have more of a direct result.
"Now I'm here and doing a job that has a direct influence on what is happening out here. This opportunity gives me a real appreciation of all the work and coordination it takes to move passengers and freight into, out of and around the theater."
With his return from the six-month deployment less than a month away, Lieutenant Braun has no regrets about volunteering for the assignment.
"It's always exciting to be a part of something like this. You actually feel like you are making a direct contribution to the war effort when a positive change takes place. I'd definitely volunteer to do something like this again."
That attitude doesn't surprise Lieutenant Braun's supervisor, Capt. Ian Laughrey, 32nd FTS N Flight commander.
"Lieutenant Braun personifies the Air Force's core value of Service Before Self. As a T-1 first assignment instructor pilot, the last place you think you are going to end up is the Middle East during major combat operations," Captain Laughery said. "Lieutenant Braun quickly volunteered for this duty and was very excited to serve his country. He is a great example of how Team Vance is part of the war fighting effort. I am proud to serve with such a great American!"
The 32nd FTS, as well as other Team Vance members, have shared their thoughts with frequent
e-mails and care packages that Lieutenant Braun said he's very appreciative of and thankful for.
"It always puts a smile on your face when you're over here, and you know others are thankful for your efforts."