Deploying trio ready to make a difference

BRADLEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE - East Granby, Conn. -- Three members of the 103rd Force Support Squadron said farewell to their loved ones and boarded an aircraft bound for a deployed location in Southwest Asia on Jan. 23, 2014.

The trio will focus on programs that will maintain and improve the quality of life for other deployed Airmen there. Staff Sgt. Vitaliy Gorbachyk will serve as a food service manager while deployed and is eager to put his training to work and contribute as needed.

"This will be a learning experience and we will put all the skills we learned on base here to work in the real world," said Gorbachyk. "And I'll be looking for more opportunities to help, too."

Senior Airman Vanessa Hernandez, who grudgingly admits she will miss some of the comforts of home, expressed her eagerness to be a part of the effort to make the deployed base a better place while serving as food service specialist and a member of the honor guard there.

Master Sgt. Chris Jones, now embarking on his fifth deployment, will serve as community services superintendent there, playing a significant role in the health and readiness of those at the deployed location.

"This is an exciting opportunity," said Jones. "I also can't wait to get away from all the snow!"

Deployments, both big and small, require support from the home station as well. Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Kelly, who serves as the unit's superintendent and unit deployment manager, is one of the Airmen at home that helps the deployers get out the door.

"I couldn't be happier for them! They are going to have an incredible experience, one they will never forget," said Kelly. "They are some of our hardest working Airmen and will be greatly missed."