Mission first, people always

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Elias Zani
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  As a part of today's Air Force, Airmen are asked to fill many different roles both on and off duty, fulfilling missions at home and down range - the Iceman Team is no different.

Eielson is the United States' northernmost fighter wing. The wing's mission distills down to three words, "prepare, deploy, enable" with the most obvious example of this mission occurring during RED FLAG-Alaska, when the 18th Aggressor Squadron helps prepare units across the Department of Defense and allied partners for any future deployments they will encounter.

The Airmen of the 354th Fighter Wing have deployed in support of every major conflict the U.S. has been involved in except for the Korean Conflict, establishing the wing's "legacy of valor."

The Iceman Team has a proud history of valor in combat, and it's important to remember the Icemen who helped carry out the wing's mission over the years.
What can Airmen and families do when one of their brothers or sisters comes back from a deployment with an injury, either physically or mentally?

Caring for the well-being of our Airmen and their families is the core of being a good wingman.

"Whether they get injured in or out of theater, on or off duty, we strive to get the service member the care they need," said Mr. Johnny Hernandez, the Air Force recovery care coordinator for Alaska.

Programs offered by the Airman and Family Readiness Center ensure members of the Iceman Team get the help they deserve.

"We provide transitional assistance through our Transitional Assistance Program, said Kevin Francesco, the AFRC casualty affairs representative. "We also have a Disabled Transition Assistance Program Representative contact if the wounded warrior is disabled. TAP helps with job searching, resume writing, job interview skills, available benefits, educational information or starting a business."

Airmen going through major illness are also eligible for services under the Air Force's Wounded Warrior program, which helps connect wounded, ill or injured Airmen, their families, and caregivers with agencies and services that support them.

Unfortunately in the past, service members have been thanked for their service and sometimes left alone to figure out how to cope with their injuries by themselves. This can result in issues like depression, alcoholism, trouble finding jobs and family conflict.

Fortunately there is now a large movement to thank our veterans for their service to our country by getting them the help they have garnered.

"Most of these service members have great skills," said Hernandez. "They just need help landing on their feet."