Guard's Spc. Steven Brown will miss not being home for holidays

By Matthew J. Wilson
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

Editor's note: An 11-member section of the Missouri National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 135th Theater Aviation Battalion, of Lebanon, is more than halfway through its one-year deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

Its mission is to provide command and control, supervision, staff planning and unit level personnel service and logistical support for all units that belong to or are attached to the theater aviation battalion.

As part of its 24-hour-a-day mission, the unit performs command and control for 11 C-23 Sherpas, four C-12 Hurons and one UC-35 Cessna Citation. Through the use of these fixed-wing aircraft, the unit will provide a forward deployed aviation battalion, which provides air movement of cargo, personnel, and military/civilian dignitaries from the United States, NATO, and Iraq, throughout Iraq and the Central Command Area.

These Guardsmen also are responsible for the flight following air tasking orders, mission scheduling, and diplomatic flight clearances for all aircraft assigned to the battalion.
So far, the unit has planned and supported more than 1,400 missions, which have transported about 1.2 million pounds of cargo and more than 9,000 passengers over the course of more than 5,000 flight hours.

The following is a look into the deployment experience during the holidays of one of the unit's members.


BALAD, IRAQ - Spc. Steven Brown, who lives in Dixon, said he hopes to make the best out of not being home for the holidays and being able to participate in Family traditions.

"I'm going to miss cutting down a Christmas tree and decorating it," Brown said.

To try and make up for it, Brown says he plans on decorating his office in Iraq.

"We'll do the best we can," he said.

In addition to his Family, Brown, who has been in the Guard four years, said he misses hunting, fishing and breathing fresh Missouri air while deployed.

"People think their air is nasty at home - they have not seen this place," Brown said.

Brown said he has enjoyed receiving gifts with a feel for home. The most unusual has been potting soil and grass seed so he could see a little color in the drab desert.

When Brown returns for good to Missouri, he'll resume his job as a battalion records clerk for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 135th Theater Aviation Battalion, of Lebanon. He is also a volunteer firefighter for the city of Dixon.

A 2008 graduate of Crocker High School, Brown is supported in his military career by his father and mother, Jeff and Diane Brown, brother, Nick Brown, and sister, Christina Brown, all of Crocker, as well as brothers Ben Brown, Len Brown and Jeffrey Brown, all of St. Louis. Brown said he also receives support from his friends Marisa Major, Paul Wiles, Jimmy Wiles, Trinity Ruhl and Janie Ruhl, all of Dixon.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.