Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class John Alkire Published Dec. 25, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Airman 1st Class John Alkire will be manning his post and turret for the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. Of course, like other Airmen serving around the globe, he would rather be at home with his family -- not halfway around the world. "I have been married to my beautiful wife Rachel for two and a half years now, and we still haven't celebrated Christmas together. I would like to be able to have a Christmas tree, presents and spend time with the ones I love," said the west Terre Haute, Ind., native. But this Airman understands the mission comes first. He has an extremely critical job of ensuring the unimpeded continuation of close-air support and combat transport sorties here in support of Combined Joint Task Force 76 theater operations. Airman Alkire is responsible for the security of the flightline, aircraft and Air Force members. He also participates in the tactical security escort mission protecting convoys as a turret gunner. "I ensure all personnel can sleep soundly throughout the night and are able to perform their day-to-day operations," said the 2005 West Vigo High School graduate. Airman Alkire said he will miss kissing his wife under the mistletoe and being able to walk with her and their two dogs after a long day of celebrating, but he understands his job takes commitment and dedication. During the holidays, Airman Alkire will fill the long hours by spending time with the team he works with every day. Knowing that he can depend on the people he calls "his family" will help him overcome any holiday blues. Like other Airmen deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and the far corners of the earth, Airman Alkire knows about sacrifice. He understands Airmen are warfighters and relishes being among them. "I have a supporting wife who is an Air Force meteorologist herself. She understands what we do and why we are here," he said. "We have to make the best of it and know there will be many more holidays in the future." "My career field requires you to make sacrifices," he said. "But the result is well worth the cost." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)Click here to view the comments/letters page