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American Airmen rock
Posted 11/1/2012 Updated 11/2/2012
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Commentary by Maximilian Sebastian Karl III
438th AIr Expeditionary Wing
11/1/2012 - KABUL, Afghanistan -- Everyone knows going first is the greatest, except when you're not in the dinner line. Then we all look to that special breed of Airmen who always seems to be able to muster the courage and honor to take that first leap.
You know the one I'm talking about, the one who will go out against the odds, toe-to-toe with whatever the situation is.
Funny, I just met one of those Airmen recently. It was as if the wind was knocked out of me. I stumbled into Afghanistan in the dusty morning hours, after hours and hours of unsettling flight. My first day seemed a blur, and I mean that literally. The sand was thick in the air and swirling around beating me in the face, and the smell was nearly unbearable.
Through that cloud of whipping dust and dirt an Airman appeared, as if coming through a magical door in the sand. Even through the stinging sand I could see a smile. This guy was incredible; he was totally covered in battle gear, with an M-4 draped over the front of him and a handgun within easy reach at his side.
The first thing I thought was 'I'm sure glad he on our side'. Now don't get me wrong, I'd seen Airmen in action, but knew immediately this guy was for real. He was that Airman who took it upon himself to lead the way so others didn't have to. He yelled out "Good Morning" my name is "Major Quick". I answered back promptly "Good Morning, Sir" and the adventure began.
I am a civilian contractor and Major Quick is a proficient combat-ready officer in the U.S. Air Force. We work together to assist the Afghan Air force in managing money. I'm not talking about a few million dollars; I'm talking about...well a lot more.
Getting money safely and completely from the payers to the intended payees can be a tricky thing and often times very dangerous. You need people like Major Quick who are dedicated, and will use that dedication and fearless drive to ensure that transparency and controls are in the right places.
Day after day and pretty soon time starts to slow down, and soon things become less filled with joy, and the sense of adventure slowly drains from you, until all you wish is to see your loved ones back home. I could see this in many a face around me.
After a couple of months I was able to actually hear different people counting the days down 'in their heads' until they went home. You could sometimes see this by how some people would snap at those around them more often, or just close it inside.
I guess my translator, Mr. Fazel, and I are the lucky ones. Major Quick is like a father figure, self-confident and always ready to give others a confidence boost --like a father ready to strike fear into those who mess with his people, his flag or his country. He only ever seems concerned about those around him, not paying much attention to his own needs.
I am so glad there are Airmen like Major Quick, now I know why American Airmen rock, because not only do they stand for honor and justice for those who can't take it for themselves, but because they really are like that dad or mother that all of us either had or wanted. They not only stand for all those wonderful things we always hear about, but they are also here for me, and that makes me feel good.
Well the adventure is nearly over and Major Steven Quick will fade into the sunset like all great American, but my memories of all the things we have done and all the protection he gave me, will not fade nor ever be forgotten.
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