194th SFF Airman springs into action in Iraq

Photo By Staff Sgt. Justyn Freeman | Tech. Sgt. Lisa Henderson, 194th Security Forces Flight, received an Air Force Commendation Medal with combat device for her actions during her deployment to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. Henderson led a team of Security Forces Airmen to recover two pararescuemen who had landed outside the base perimeter during parachuting training. (Washington Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Justyn Freeman)  

UNITED STATES

10.05.2019

Story by Senior Airman Justyn Freeman 

194th Wing

When things don’t go according to plan, we aren’t always lucky to have someone come to our rescue, but for two Pararescue Airmen in Iraq a 194th Security Forces Flight Airman was that someone.

Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Lisa Henderson, 194th SFF fire team lead, was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with combat device for her deployment to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq from March to October of 2018. Henderson, along with other security forces members, helped retrieve the PJs after they were blown off course during parachute jump training.

The Al Asad Airbase perimeter is divided into zones, consisting of the green zone, orange zone, and red zone. The base security forces are the ones responsible inner perimeter security, but the outermost wire is protected by the Iraqi Air Force, who work with U.S. Air Force security forces personnel.

“The first part of my tour I was an assistant flight chief and as part of my job I was responsible for liaising with the people in the towers. We would go out and stop at different towers and build relationships with the [American] and Iraqi Air Force at the towers and gate,” said Henderson.

The second part of Henderson’s tour, she worked in the back office where she would provide overwatch security for groups, like the PJs, who needed the less populated areas of the outer zones to conduct their exercises.

“The PJs requested overwatch security and access to that area, so while they did their exercise we were providing overwatch to their landing zone. When the two jumped out of the plane the wind unexpectedly kicked up and it took them outside the wire of the base,” said Henderson.

The situation had taken a turn, prompting those providing overwatch security to spring into action. Using their rapport with the Iraqi Air Force, Henderson and Tech. Sgt. Lewis, New Jersey ANG 105th Security Forces Squadron, were able quickly navigate through control points and reach the PJs.

“The sun was going down quick, we didn’t want to leave them out there in the dark. We just went out and talked to the Iraqis,” Henderson said, ‘Hey remember when I brought you wipes and cereal that one time? Do you remember my face?’”

Base intelligence had received information regarding a truck circling the area who had rocket launcher in the bed of the vehicle. Knowing that a credible threat was in play and those threats not seen, two other security forces patrols came to provide more security for the team outside the wire. After picking up the PJs, the teams were able to return to base without incident quickly and efficiently.

“I think the liaising with the interpreters, and actually getting out there with them is what helped in this situation,” said Henderson. “A lot of people when they deploy overseas immediately think that the Iraqis are a threat and they have their guard up. I think you can have a balance of knowing your enemy, being aware of your surroundings, knowing the threat levels, but also to pull that wall down and build that relationship with them. I think just going out there and showing them we appreciate and need them too, let's work together, we have the same goal makes a big difference.”

• Date Taken: 10.05.2019
• Date Posted: 10.06.2019 10:34
• Story ID: 346204
• Location: US