834th Aviation Support Battalion fuelers provide humanitarian support

Photo By Daniel Ewer | A Company, 834th Aviation Support Battalion, an element of the aviation Task Force 34 headquartered on Joint Base Balad, Iraq, delivered fuel to the local Bakir Village on March 12. Senior Airman Byron Fisher, 532 Expeditionary Security Forces Group, was part of the U.S. Air Force detail providing security for the mission. Task Force 34 also took this opportunity to distribute humanitarian supplies, shoes and candy to the local Iraqi elders and children.  

IRAQ

03.12.2009

Courtesy Story

34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

The Transportation Platoon of A Company, 834th Aviation Support Battalion, is doing its part to reach out to the local communities with its own humanitarian mission.

"We really wanted a transportation mission," said 2nd Lt. Bryan Pederson, A Co. 834th ASB Transportation Platoon leader. "This one came available and we got it."

The mission is a vitally important one for a local village near Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

"We periodically go out to Bikar village to deliver fuel," Pederson said. "It helps power their water and sewage plant."

The Air Force provides the security for the convoy traveling to the Bikar village, which is located less than a mile outside the base. It is a quick trip and a safe one. The Air Force also provides ground protection when A Co. Soldiers are offloading the fuel.

"They bring MRAP's and Humvee's to escort our fuel trucks," said Pvt. Melissa Trull of A Co. 834th ASB. "But it feels safe to travel without them."

Besides the fuel, the Soldiers reach out to the villagers in other ways.

"2nd Lt. Pederson and Staff Sgt. [Rick] Culver [A Co. 834th ASB Transportation Platoon sergeant] take the time to talk with the village mayor," Pvt. Trull said. "We deliver candy and stuffed animals to the children. They run right up to you to talk to you."

A Co. 834th ASB Transportation Platoon mission is part of Joint Base Balad's Force Protection, which keeps them primarily inside the wire. Each month, different Soldiers are chosen to participate in the humanitarian mission.

The Soldiers appreciate the mission outside the wire and look forward to their turn to reach out to the local community.

• Date Taken: 03.12.2009
• Date Posted: 03.16.2009 04:46
• Story ID: 31154
• Location: IQ