Serving through the season: Capt. Kris J. Person

  • Published
  • By Maj. Dani Johnson
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) --  Many Airmen throughout the world will be spending time away from home during the holidays fighting for America's freedoms. One such Airman is an F-15C pilot stationed here.

Capt. Kris Person, an 18th Operations Support Squadron electronic combat officer flying with the 44th Fighter Squadron, will be out flying training missions and supporting the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the governments of Japan and the United States.

The captain will not have the pleasure of coming home to his wife, Capt. Amanda Person, a KC-135 pilot, during the holidays because she is deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. However, this does not dim his spirits. He said he is happy to make this sacrifice so others can feel safe at home with their families.

"We're getting used to it, but we're ready to see the family and have a 'normal' holiday next year," Captain Kris Person said. "I'm happy, though, that staying here gives the opportunity for other squadron members, some who don't have family on Okinawa, to go home (to the U.S.) for the holidays."

Captain Kris Person, a native of Westminster, Mass., graduated in 1998 from Oakmont Regional High School in Ashburnham before earning his bachelor's degree in aerospace studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. He was commissioned in 2002.

The captain said he understands that people in certain career fields in the Air Force like him and his wife do not have the luxury of spending the holidays at home with his parents, Jeffrey and Bonnie, in Westminster, and other family and friends.

"I would rather be with my wife, at home with our families enjoying the holidays this year, but our professions require sacrifices that were understood when we accepted our commission," he said. "Flying the F-15C is an amazing opportunity, and being able to fly sorties, representing America's freedom and presence across the world, during the holidays is also a great way to spend the season."

He said his close friends will help him get through this holiday season.

"Especially being stationed on a small island thousands of miles from home, you become much closer with the people you come in contact with, whether it's co-workers, neighbors or friends of friends," he said. "Also, just knowing that our families are safe and healthy this season is a comforting thought."

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