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From the Frontlines: Senior Airman Joseph Adams

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Often times, the sound of a rumbling engine doesn't leave the everyday driver with qualms of the path which lies ahead. Alternatively, a convoy driver can find themselves in difficult and dangerous situations with every mile they travel.

Although Senior Airman Joseph Adams, 424th Medium Truck Detachment, lost count of his mileage traveled, the challenges he's encountered while navigating the precarious roads of Kuwait and Iraq will not be soon forgotten.

Airman Adams is currently deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, and departed Whiteman in January, to Basic Combat Convoy Course, at Camp Anderson-Peters in Camp Bullis, Texas where he trained for 30 days before he arrived at his current location in February. Alongside other Airmen from Whiteman, Airman Adams learned basic combat skills required to integrate with joint forces in convoy operations.

Integrating the knowledge and aptitude he's learned from the BC3 course, Airman Adams said he is able to apply it in real world situations and convoy missions as a truck commander.
His convoy team made up of 12 people, drives cargo, which varies from food to ammunition, to forwarding operating bases in Iraq according to the Airman.

"We upload our trucks, which can take more than eight hours," Airman Adams said. "When we get to our destination, we download and repeat the process again and head back."

In addition to his responsibilities, Airman Adams is also the foreign national liaison and ensures that the foreign nationals in the convoy are taken care of and if any problems arise, he is there to assist.

Combined with his training and work ethic it's not uncommon for Airman Adams to step up in times of need.

"Airman Adams has been one of my 'go to' guys since he arrived in 2006," said Mr. Mark Haywood, 509th LRS, distribution section manager. "It doesn't matter what task you give him, he always finds a way to get it done. He stepped up for the flight when we needed honor guard volunteers. He can be counted on whenever he's needed or called upon."

In between convoys, Airman Adams uses his time to prepare for the next mission and studies for college courses; in which he has completed two college level examination program classes thus far.

"I try to stay as busy as possible out here, it makes time go by faster," he said.

Airman Adams said he is scheduled to return to Whiteman in the Fall, but said he is enjoying his second deployment.

"The best thing about my deployment is the life-long friendships I've made because most of the Airmen here are vehicle operators also," he said. "I see faces I have been deployed with before or people I have gone through technical school with. I have also met a lot of new people. I also enjoy the experience of being in a different country and learning a new culture."

While Airman Adams misses his family, friends, bed and driving his own car, he said this is the most fun he's had in his Air Force career and would do it again.