The family that deploys together, stays together

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base / Blackanthem.com - July 3

455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

7/2/2007 - BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- Most parents never know whatit's like for their children at a deployed location, but that is certainly notthe case for Senior Airman Vincent Lopez, an A-10 weapons loader, since hisfather and stepmother are also deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

The Lopez family is originally from El Paso, Texas and Airman Lopez's parentsboth work for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service in Dallas. Tonyand Julia Lopez were deploying to another location in the area of operationswhen they were redirected mid-flight to Bagram about a month ago. Airman Lopez,who had been here since April, had no idea his parents were here until he gotan email message from his father telling him the news, simply saying,"Hey, guess what? I'm here at Bagram."

Senior Airman Lopez headed to the Base Exchange as quickly as possible,talked to the employees and arranged to meet up with his dad. "To behonest, this is the last place I'd ever think I'd see them," said AirmanLopez.

Although their schedules are challenging to coordinate, they meet up at leastonce a week at the BX or for meals where they can catch up on eachother's experiences. "It's a relief for my parents to know that I'm doingok, and it's really a unique experience for all of us," said Airman Lopezwith a smile.

Who has the tougher assignment is up to debate, but the Lopez parents will behere for a year, while their son may be here six months. Tony and Julie, as the Exchange employees, follow the same rules as military members and also work long hours.Tony Lopez insists his son has the more challenging assignment. "He is theone that has a harder time and that's really my job to bring anything familiarwe can to these guys from home, and in some cases that may even be a familymember," he said happily.

It's not that difficult for Airman Lopez because he likes working onA-10s."I love my job. There are not too many jobs in the civilian world,where you can load bombs on aircraft," said Lopez.

The Lopez parents haven't been to Davis-Monthan Air Force base, Airman Lopez'home station, because they usually meet up halfway at El Paso, to catch up with family and friends, so it's ironic that they've been able to visit with him here while he is stationed at Bagram.

"As a parent, the safety, security and environment is always on yourmind," said Tony Lopez. "It's great that I can see what the conditions are and I know his team has really taken good care of him."

Airman Lopez agrees, "It's great to have family here with me; it's made my deployment so much better."

Experiences Downrange

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