Hampton native defends Bagram Air Field

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tyler Placie | Tech. Sgt. Lela Gerrins is currently deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, and is a member of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Currently on her third deployment, Gerrins’ duty while deployed to Bagram is to serve as assistant flight chief, supervising dozens of Airmen and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to successfully complete their missions. Back home, she's in the Air Force Reserve and is assigned to the 459th Air Refueling Wing on Joint Base Andrews, Md. She's a native of Hampton, Va.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

12.09.2011

Story by Senior Airman Patrick McKenna 

United States Air Forces Central     

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Tech. Sgt. Lela Gerrins is currently deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan and is a member of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

Back home, she's in the Air Force Reserve and is assigned to the 459th Air Refueling Wing on Joint Base Andrews, Md. She's a native of Hampton, Va.

Currently on her third deployment, Gerrins’ duty while deployed to Bagram is to serve as assistant flight chief, supervising dozens of airmen and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to successfully complete their missions.

While Gerrins said she misses her nephews and puppies the most while she’s deployed, she says she’s gotten a lot of satisfaction out of the mission she and her fellow defenders are responsible for.

“Out here you have an important purpose,” Gerrins said. “It’s been really good to get to know the language and the local people. It feels good to hear them thank us for being here.”

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 13:06
• Story ID: 81307
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF