Kirtland Guard, active duty work together in Bulgaria

4/16/2003 - OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (AFPN) -- Supporting air-refueling operations for aircraft striking targets in Iraq has found Kirtland active-duty and Air National Guard airmen working together at Camp Sarafovo, Bulgaria.

Security forces airmen from the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Fighter Wing and support people from the 377th Mission Support Group here arrived at the camp a month ago. They are supporting operations with the KC-10 Extender aircraft and helping form the 409th Expeditionary Group.

With Maj. Richard Almeter in command, airmen from the 150th Security Forces Squadron are not only working hand-in-hand with active-duty members, but also with Bulgarian national police.

"It's been a positive experience," said Master Sgt. Roy Johnson, from the 409th SFS deployed from the 150th FW. "We're learning each other's law enforcement and security techniques. Soon, we're going to start joint patrols with the Bulgarians."

Johnson said the job of the security forces members is not an easy one. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the cops provide security and law enforcement functions for more than 400 people at the camp, plus patrol the aircraft and resources on the flightline about two kilometers away, he said

Additionally, security forces have taken on many extra duties including conducting honor guard functions, helping with school tours of the flightline and camp and developing emergency response checklists for themselves and the Bulgarian police, Almeter said.

"After a long history of Soviet influence in Bulgaria, learning each others' systems is very different for both of us," said Almeter. "The Bulgarian military and police have welcomed the American security forces, and both sides are working hard to build rapport."

The efforts of both sides are already paying off, Johnson said.

"A lot of our guys are learning some Bulgarian, and in turn, they're teaching (the Bulgarians) some English," Johnson said. "It gives everybody a chance to practice and also an opportunity to socialize during downtime.

"A lot of our guys are civilian cops at home," said Johnson, who is also an Albuquerque policeman. "A lot of the questions the Bulgarian police ask are about police work at home. Cops are the same everywhere in the world, and that common bond has been huge here."

The 150th SFS has been activated since September 2001, said Johnson. While they are anxious to get home and spend time with their families, he said they keep their morale high and stay focused on the job they have to do.

"There are certain times when the people get tired and worn down, that they feel the stress of wanting to get home," said Johnson. "But they all feel a great deal of pride in being involved in the war efforts of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. We all know we have jobs to do, and we're proud to serve our country in whatever we're called to do." (Courtesy of Air Force Materiel Command News Service)