Connecticut native defends Bagram Air Field

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tyler Placie | Tech. Sgt. Jerry Lashway is currently deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, and is a member of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Back in the states, he’s a member of the Connecticut Air National Guard and is assigned to the 103rd Security Forces Squadron at Bradley ANG Base. He is a native of Stafford Springs, Conn. While deployed to Bagram, Lashway serves as vehicle search area flight chief. He and the airmen he leads are responsible for ensuring every vehicle that enters Bagram has been properly searched and drivers have the proper paperwork.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

12.09.2011

Story by Senior Airman Patrick McKenna 

United States Air Forces Central       

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Tech. Sgt. Jerry Lashway is currently deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, and is a member of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

Back in the states, he’s a member of the Connecticut Air National Guard and is assigned to the 103rd Security Forces Squadron at Bradley Air National Guard Base. He is a native of Stafford Springs, Conn.

While deployed to Bagram, Lashway serves as vehicle search area flight chief. He and the airmen he leads are responsible for ensuring every vehicle that enters Bagram has been properly searched and drivers have the proper paperwork.

“This is the largest vehicle search area in Central Command,” Lashway said. “We see upwards of 700 vehicles and process as many as 900 local nationals per day.”

This crucial mission provides safe passage for many resources and supplies necessary to keep Bagram operating. Lashway stressed that it’s a total team effort that ensures these vehicles and drivers are searched effectively and Bagram’s occupants are safe.

“I’ve got some great troops under my command,” Lashway said. “They’re a hard working team with one of most dangerous jobs on Bagram. The work they do every day and the effort they put in has been amazing, because they know if they slack off a lot of people can get hurt. They’re willing to put themselves at risk so everyone else doesn’t have to be at risk.”

When he’s not working, Lashway, an experienced martial artist, has collaborated with the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator office on Bagram to teach an assault prevention course.

“I teach them how to defend themselves if they need to,” said Lashway, who works as a correction officer back in Connecticut. “Hopefully it’s something they’ll take home with them so they’ll have the tools to protect themselves or others.”

Currently on his second Air Force deployment, Lashway misses his daughters, Abigail and Isabelle, and his wife, Angela, back in Connecticut. He says it’s not just him that’s had to sacrifice on this deployment.

“It’s hard because you want support from them because you’re over here, but you have to provide support to them as well,” Lashway said. “My wife is my better half and in addition to taking care of things back home; she’s going to school. Support is a two way street.”

Lashway says he also misses watching football on Sundays, going to his daughters’ plays, helping them with science projects, and teaching his martial arts students back home.

The 455 ESFS is responsible for the security on Bagram Air Field and the more than 30,000 service members and civilians that are assigned here.

They stand watch in dozens of guard towers, check the credentials of thousands of local civilians gaining access each day, and protect one of the busiest flightlines in the world. These airmen work with
civilians, service members from other branches of the military, as well as international partners like South Korean military police to defend Bagram Air Field 24 hours a day.

• Date Taken: 12.09.2011
• Date Posted: 12.13.2011 06:37
• Story ID: 81271
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF