Bearing the burden: airmen keep Operation Enduring Freedom on a steady course

Airman, Nov, 2002

The first anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, stirred passions in America.

Across the nation, Americans remembered -- in their own way -- those who died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. They raised Old Glory high and paid tribute to those who died. Praised and eulogized them. And cried for them. And they renewed their vow to bring those responsible to a swift and final justice.

A month passed, and then two. Then a solemn America settled back into an uneasy peace.

All the while, the nation's military was on alert. From every corner of the globe, its men and women continued their vigilance against terrorism. Operation Enduring Freedom, the United States' anti-terrorism campaign, was cruising along at full throttle.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard Myers told a Pentagon audience in September the military would face a tough road ahead. And he said Americans enjoy their beloved freedoms because of past sacrifices made by military men and women.

"Now, it's our turn to bear the burden for our children, for our grandchildren, for our fallen comrades, for America, for the world," he said.

American airmen are helping bear the load.

Though far from home, they, too, remembered their fallen comrades. And they paid their respect. But as they did, they kept watch over the nation from the far-flung bases where they serve. From the Middle East to Afghanistan -- and a host of other spots in between -- their hunt continues for terrorists who still threaten the United States.

These airmen go on with their lives, away from family and friends -- in conditions most Americans would find appalling. There are few gripes. And they give a new meaning to family reunions after returning home.

The airmen know they have an important job: stopping terrorism.

It's a tough fight, for sure. To do it right takes a total and dedicated force. One that delivers bombs on target. Refuels aircraft and airlifts the material of war. A force that keeps aircraft flying. That takes care of its own -- no matter what the need -- 24-7.

No job is too small or unimportant in this fight.

Staff Sgt. Ernesto Diaz is part of a family that has been serving in the military for five generations. The terrorist attacks in New York City -- his home -- devastated him. So the food services troop was glad to join the fight. He plays his part at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, where he deployed from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D,

"I may not jump out of planes or see combat face-to-face like my father," Diaz said. "I may not work with the most advanced gadgets or instruments, as my cousin did in the Navy. And I may not brag about my job being the best as my uncle used to.

"But I feel I'm part of the best," he said. "And my job here is as important as anyone else's."

Diaz's voice is just one from a force that, through unselfish devotion, is ensuring American freedom endures.

Louis A. Arana-Barradas, with contributions from Airman 1st Class Tarkan Dospil, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, and Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service