Serving through the season: Airman Van Dexter Duez

  • Published
  • By Maj. Dani Johnson
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) --  Keeping F-15 Eagles maintained and flying is what one Airman here will be doing over the holidays.

Airman Van Dexter Duez is assigned to the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Management Production Flight where he schedules and coordinates the weekly flying and maintenance schedules for the 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit part of the 44th Fighter Squadron.

The Altus, Okla., native has been in the Air Force for 11 months and spends his first holiday away from home in a land very different from the plains of Oklahoma.

"It makes me sad not being able to be with my family and friends," Airman Duez said. "But, they know that what I do is for them."

The 2005 graduate of Altus High School will miss waking up to the smell of breakfast, prepared by his parents, John and Jane Veirs.

"Of course, I'd rather be at home taking my 6-year-old niece to the city park to see the Christmas lights," he said. However, he knows his family and friends are thinking of him this season.

Like Airmen in Iraq, Afghanistan, Europe, the Pacific, other world hot spots and across the nation during the holiday season, Airman Duez knows about sacrifice. Airmen are warfighters. They are highly trained, skilled and valued members of the force fighting the war on terror. They are always ready to do their job, no matter what day it is. Also, Airman Duez won't be alone; he will turn to his Air Force family for support.

"The constant support from my fellow Airmen and supervisors has really kept me motivated throughout the holiday season," said Airman Duez.

With a positive attitude and a motivation to serve, the young Airman knows what he does is important and that makes being away from home a little bit easier.

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