Photo By Tech. Sgt. Francesca Popp | Air Force Airman 1st Class Lonnie Dunn III, 407th Expeditionary Security Forces...... read more read more
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By Tech. Sgt. Francesca Popp
407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
ALI BASE, Iraq – For the son of a Magnolia, Ark., couple, life at this coalition air base in isolated southern Iraq, is a struggle of extremes. A dusty haze fills the sky, as the winds blow over the cracked-soil streets that were baked the desert sun, making life constantly a challenge for the men and women supporting the Air Force's only major airfield in the southern part of the country.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Lonnie M. Dunn III, son of Lonnie and Damita R. Dunn Jr., West Monroe Street, Magnolia, is one of more than 700 Airmen deployed to this desolate outpost with important missions that range from receiving and sending cargo, airspace control and managing the MQ-1 unmanned aerial vehicle, the Predator.
Dunn provides security to all the airmen and aircraft on the base. "I have one of the most important jobs while deployed, because of its responsibilities," said Dunn, a 2003 graduate of Waldo High School. "If the security that I and my co-workers isn't provided, it would hinder the mission of everyone else here."
Originally named Tallil Air Base, Ali was one of the first bases coalition forces established following the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ali is the home of the 407th Expeditionary Group, along with an Army combat brigade and coalition forces from Australia and Romania.
Dunn said that without him and other security forces Airmen, there would be no air support. "Without security, the flight line would be vulnerable. The enemy could possibly gain access to our more important assets," said Dunn.
Extreme conditions, coupled with living in a tent city where showers, dining and recreation are long walks away and the further stress of being away from family and friends, makes Dunn miss things most Americans take for granted.
"I miss being with my fiance, family and friends," said Dunnn.
Dunn, who's been in the Air Force for one year, will return to Travis Air Force Base in California after his six-month deployment.
| Date Taken: | 10.15.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.15.2008 08:32 |
| Story ID: | 25001 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 151 |
| Downloads: | 134 |
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