Edwards Airmen return from 'explosive' deployment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mark Woodbury
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) --  During a recent deployment to Southwest Asia, two Airmen here put their lives on the line disposing of improvised explosive devices.

For Staff Sgt. Neil Gertiser and Senior Airman Stephen Szczurek the danger never took over their thoughts, and they saw it as an opportunity to put their years of training to practical use.

Sergeant Gertiser is the noncommissioned officer in charge of the 95th Air Base Wing’s explosive ordnance disposal unit, and Airman Szczurek works in the unit’s equipment section.

"It really was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me," said Airman Szczurek. "For someone in my career, this was an opportunity to see things I never would have while serving stateside. It truly was an opportunity to put into action what I have learned."

The deployment was something both Airmen felt they had to do.

"We didn't have to go over there, we volunteered for the deployment because we realized the types of skills learned from this deployment would put our training into practice and better our careers overall," Sergeant Gertiser said.

During their deployment, Sergeant Gertiser said the base where they served came under attack at least 40 different times.

"Many of the attacks were from 107 mm and 122 mm rockets that the attackers would modify and shoot in the direction of the base," Airman Szczurek said. "Because of the modifications, the shots were not always accurate, but amazingly they would get lucky and some would hit the base."

One of their primary responsibilities was to sweep the runway after the attacks and ensure any ordnance found was disposed of and the damage reported.

A memorable day for Airman Szczurek occurred when a rocket landed near the munitions storage area on base and started a fire. The fire eventually spread to ammunition holding pads, causing several major explosions.

"Amazingly, no one was injured," Airman Szczurek said. "Fortunately, everyone abided by (his or her) training and took cover, resulting in no major injuries."

Airman Szczurek said the bomb dump cleanup was his primary responsibility the last week before he returned from his deployment.

Both Sergeant Gertiser and Airman Szczurek were grateful they had the opportunity to work with the Army Corps of Engineers.

"We had a chance to provide our skills to the Army while deployed," Sergeant Gertiser said. "It was a good opportunity to see how other branches operate and to build camaraderie between the services."

Sergeant Gertiser said he will always be thankful to one local man for tipping them off about a roadside bomb.

"A local citizen stopped our convoy and tipped us off about a roadside IED that was placed a few yards ahead of us," said Sergeant Gertiser. "Had it not been for him, we may never have found it until it was too late. I am very thankful for his help."