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Vehicle operator considers lessons learned during first deployment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  For most, a deployment can help define a person, and for Senior Airman Randy Connella, this was the case during his deployment last year to Kuwait and Iraq where he drove convoys.

One of the main things Airman Connella said he took away from his deployments was a better understanding of who he is and what he can do.

"Overall, it taught me a lot about what I could do physically and mentally," he said. "You learn a lot about yourself--you learn if you're a leader or follower. You also learn from each other; it's not a one-man show, everyone tries to pull together and help each other out."

While Airman Connella, a 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator, said he was nervous about his first deployment, he was supported by a team of six heading out from Scott. While deployed, they were assigned to the 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron "Scorpions."

Not only did the team support each other physically, they also created lasting bonds.
"I met a lot of great people," Airman Connella said. "The people you work with and get to know really well turn into more than friends, they're family."

Throughout the deployment, Airman Connella's team went on 15 convoy missions comprised of both Air Force and Army personnel. In February, his convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device.

"We were the only convoy to get hit while we were out there," Airman Connella remembers. "It was a road we took often, and there were always a lot of cars along that road. But that night, nobody was on the road."

Airman Connella was eight vehicles back when he heard the explosion and saw the flash.

"Training kicked in, and we went to the basics--making sure everyone was all right, getting the situation under control and calling it in."

Airman Connella said the training he received before deploying and the exercises he played in at Scott were a key factor in being able to deal with the traumatic situation.
During his deployment, he met Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, and said he enjoyed multiple morale concerts and took part in ruck-sack marches, weight lifting competitions and holiday events. Those activities helped him to decompress from the daily grind, he said, and helped make his deployment memorable.

Airman Connella returned in April. Since then, he's been enjoying his time in the states while preparing himself for future operations as he, along with other Team Scott Airmen, may be deploying again in January.