Scott Airman keeps vehicle data while deployed in Iraq Published Nov. 18, 2009 By 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- First time deployments can be tough for young Airmen and for one Senior Airman with the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron, it also means missing the birth of his first child. But, like so many other servicemembers, he gets on with the tasks at hand and makes the most of his time in Balad, Iraq. Airman Joseph Herard deployed in July and is responsible for maintaining the vehicle data there and resolves any computer processing problems while preparing vehicle historical records. He also documents any vehicle accident or abuse reports and documents battle damages to the fleet. While there he assisted his unit during an evaluation aimed at how well they care for the resources assigned to them. "The evaluation was different here because of time management and the stressful environment caused by multiple attacks almost daily," Airman Herard said. "Luckily I was able to take what I learned from our inspection at Scott, and our flight got an outstanding rating." Born in Haiti, but calling Nyack, N.Y. home, Airman Herard said life in Iraq is "very interesting." "People in the Middle East are very reserved," he said. "The weather is kind of weird and extremely hot most of the time. The worst thing is the sand storms." When not working 12 hour days, six days a week, Airman Herard volunteers to help pass the time. He works at a USO center helping the troops place morale calls, monitoring Internet service so everyone has equal time and checking out movies. He also helps out at Troy's Place, which is another recreational facility, and he is a member of the church choir. He's also taking advantage of learning the Arabic language. "I have become friends with the cyber café manager, and he teaches me Arabic and in exchange, I teach him French and English," he said. "I have even been able to keep a short conversation with him in Arabic." While the work keeps him busy, he's still "envisioning the day that I come home and will be able to see my wife and hold our daughter for the first time." Airman Herard and his wife, Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Herard, 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs, had their first child Nov. 1. The American Red Cross video conferenced the baby's delivery.