Manhattan native deploys, keeps Bagram safe

Photo By Master Sgt. Sara Keller | Staff Sgt. Cecy Hunter, truck commander with the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, recently deployed from the 20th SFS, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

02.17.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Sara Keller 

United States Air Forces Central     

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Staff Sgt. Cecy Hunter, truck commander with the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, recently deployed from the 20th SFS, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

Hunter, a Manhattan, N.Y., native, deployed to work with an elite group of security forces airmen with the 455th ESFS, quick reaction team known as the “Reapers.”

Several times a week, Hunter and members of her team travel outside the wire to deter terrorist activity and build working relationships with the local populace.

“Our mission is to defend the airfield outside the wire through early detection, deterrence, response, reconnaissance and counter insurgency,” said Master Sgt. Troy Taylor, NCO in charge for the Reapers. “To complete these missions, Reaper teams are comprised of dismounted patrol members, counter sniper teams and surveillance teams that have access to unmanned air assets.”

As a truck commander, Hunter is responsible for all personnel in her truck while traveling outside the wire. She ensures all personnel are fulfilling their duties and everything flows smoothly during the missions.

As a Reaper, airmen on the team have many responsibilities, but certain parts of their mission are what really make them enjoy their job everyday.

“The mission we do here makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something every single time we come back,” said Hunter. “We get to go out and see so much, and do so much with the local population here in Afghanistan. It’s really a bittersweet feeling. Bittersweet because we have the opportunity to see a whole different way that people live and that honestly gives me a great appreciation for being an American.”

This is Hunter’s sixth deployment and she has been serving in the U.S. Air Force for nine years.

“So many people have given so much by going out and protecting our freedom in the past,” she said. “I feel grateful that it’s my turn and now I get to give back by being out here protecting our freedom.”

• Date Taken: 02.17.2012
• Date Posted: 02.17.2012 07:16
• Story ID: 83998
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF