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Scott Airmen help rebuild Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Senior Airmen Jacob King and Dean Walker, both from the 375th Communications Support Squadron, recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan where they served on Provincial Reconstruction Teams.

"As a member of the PRT in Paktya, Afghanistan, and as a specialist in communications, I was responsible for making sure all of the communications equipment was up and running," said Airman Walker. "When problems arose, I had to learn how to fix them in a timely manner or our battle-rhythm would be affected."

But not all the Airman's duties were related to his job.

"On top of my communications work, I had several additional duties," said Airman Walker. "I was a backup driver on convoys, had guard duty several times a month and helped run the USO on more than a few occasions."

Airman King's experience as part of the Nangarhar PRT was similar.

"My job entailed every aspect of communications, including field radio operation and maintenance, network administration, network infrastructure, computer repair, vehicle communications repair and counter improvised explosive device/electronic warfare equipment," said Airman King. "In addition, I also functioned as a driver, truck commander and dismount for many of the missions we ran every day."

Each came away from the experience with their own lessons learned.

"I have a new perspective on what we're doing in Afghanistan," said Airman Walker. "I have a better appreciation for the small things in life back here in the states because it's those things that matter most when you're gone. I've always been a family man, but the importance of family stands out to me now more than ever. It's those people closest to you who really pull you through when times get tough."

Airman King said, "I was fortunate enough to interact with the locals and was able to understand their way of life better than I had from any kind of training I received prior to arriving in country. I was able to see firsthand exactly what we are doing in terms of reconstruction and creating a better life for the Afghan people."

PRTs are relatively small, inter-disciplinary groups formed to assist local authorities, the national government, nongovernmental organizations, and United Nations agencies, in their efforts to rebuild Afghanistan, reform its security sector and disarm, demobilize and reintegrate its armed members.

"I'm proud of what I did there," said Airman King.