DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled

Airman provides computer support to terror fighters

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kyle Bridgford at home in his room after a long day at...... read more read more

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

02.18.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central

By Staff Sgt. Shawn J. Jones
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Life experience is accumulating rapidly for one young Airman on his first deployment to fight the Global War on Terror.

Airman 1st Class Kyle Bridgford had never left the United States prior to joining the Air Force two years ago. Now he finds himself half a world away, performing a mission that impacts operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bridgford, a native of Armona, Calif., works at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center, the primary command and control center that orchestrates the entire coalition air campaign throughout the Middle East and surrounding areas.

Since arriving here in January, he has served as a computer communications operator who maintains the operation center's e-mail server, ensuring mission planners have a rapid and reliable means of communication.

"Airman Bridgford's expertise provides communications and computer functionality for coalition air and space operations to protect vital national interests and combat terrorism," said his supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Richard Edwards.

Though Bridgford works long hours supporting the war effort, he said the living conditions are better than expected. Hot meals, electricity, running water and the base fitness center all help him pass the time, he said.

"We've got it great compared to what American troops had back in the day," he said.

Besides the living conditions, Bridgford enjoys meeting his international coworkers.

"I like talking to our coalition partners and learning their perspectives," he said in regard to America's allies from 10 different countries who work at the operations center.

Though the deployment has taken him away from family and friends, Bridgford said he knows that he is in a real fight to defend Americans from terrorism.

"I like the fact that I'm helping to protect my family back home," he said.

Bridgford is deployed from the 612th Air Communications Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.