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Student Flight aids in deployment effort

  • Published
  • By By Staff Sgt. Samara Taylor
  • 127th Wing Public Affairs
Hundreds of mobility bags were prepared by 127th Wing Student Flight members as part of the build up to the recent deployment of some 350 Michigan Airmen to Southwest Asia.

In this group effort, items such as sheets, pillow cases, headlamps, multi-tools, flashlights, and insect repellent were packed in mobility bags, according to the senior noncommissioned officer who organized the event, a member of the 127th Maintenance Group. One bag was provided to each deploying Airmen.

The bags were packed and prepared by members of the Wing's Student Flight, those Wing members who have enlisted, but not yet attended Basic Military Training. 

"There were even donated Airman stationary kits with envelopes and paper included," said the Airman who coordinated the event. "The process was a group effort and took less than four hours to assemble."

Other unit members included Staff Sgt. Grant of the 127th Operation Support Squadron. He volunteered to assist in assembling the bags because "I was willing to do what I could to help out."

Student Flight member Kathryn said she was proud to be a part of preparing Air National Guard members for deployment.

"It makes me feel like I am a part of the mission and family," she said.

Student Flight member Zachary said, "It's cool knowing that something we are doing is going to affect the 127th when they deploy."

Preparing such a large group to forward deploy requires a team effort to load tons of essential items for Airmen to complete their mission. In addition to their work equipment, individual Airmen need to bring uniforms, gym clothes to work out and, for most if not all, a few mementos that remind them of home.

Editor's note: All last names have been removed from this story for security reasons.

About the 127th Wing
Comprised of approximately 1,700 personnel and flying both the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KC-135 Stratotanker, the Michigan Air National Guard's 127th Wing supports Air Mobility Command and Air Combat Command operations by providing highly-skilled Airmen to missions domestically and overseas. The 127th Wing is the host unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which marks its 98th year of continuous military air operations in 2015.