Deployment Highlight: Force Support Airman returns home

  • Published
  • By Maj. Erin Karl
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Staff Sgt. James McFadden, a personnel journeyman with the 916th Force Support Squadron, recently returned from a deployment to the Southwest Asia.

While assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing there he worked closely with local nationals, an experience he enjoyed.

McFadden admitted he felt a bit nervous before going, but was excited to get started. Some of his many duties included supporting the contingency personnel, giving briefings, copying orders, and maintaining a good relationship with the local nationals.

He described his experience of working with active duty personnel as "having a few bumps at first" but soon coming together seamlessly.

His most memorable moments included working with the locals and realizing how much they were like us in many ways. He also said the "nationals brought food to us every night and did not want us to leave."

When asked how he felt when it was time to come home, McFadden said he was ready to come home, but did feel sad about leaving his team members. He saw many great examples of teamwork and said that in many ways his deployed experience felt a little like being back in basic training.

McFadden said his 12 hour shifts were the most difficult thing to get used to. He fully anticipates volunteering to deploy again in the future. He also felt that he was well prepared for his experience.