Thirteen members of the New Mexico Air National Guard, including several UNM students and alumni, returned to Albuquerque Saturday after serving more than four months in the Middle East supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The soldiers, part of the 150th Services Flight stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, were sent to Kuwait to serve in a supporting role for the unit's two other divisions in the region, said guard spokeswoman Maj. Kimberly Lalley.
The 150th's Security Forces Squadron, which serves as military police at foreign bases, is also in Kuwait and the 150th Fighter Wing, comprised of 23 F-16 warplanes, has been in the country for some time participating in Operation Southern Watch monitoring the U.N.'s no-fly zone over southern Iraq.
"These soldiers acted bravely when called upon to serve their country and they performed their duties well," Lalley said. "We appreciate their families who were supportive and understanding during their absence."
Petra Martinez, whose son Raymond, a senior airman in the guard and a UNM senior who was among the 13 returning soldiers, said that his absence has been hard on his family, but that she is proud he did his part to serve his country and protect their way of life.
"Ever since he was young he said that if there ever was a war that threatened his family, that he wanted to go and help," Martinez said.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
The New Mexico Air National Guard, known as the "Enchilada Air Force," has more than 1,000 active members who serve out of Kirtland Air Force Base.
Lalley said the guard is currently stationed throughout the world, supporting several military operations such as Operation Noble Eagle, the coastal patrol and homeland security operation around the United States, and Operation Enduring Freedom, the ongoing operation in Afghanistan.
The 150th's F-16's, nicknamed the "Tacos," have been a near-continuous presence in the skies over Albuquerque since Sept. 11 and the development of the Department of Homeland Security, Lalley said.
UNM freshman Derek Benavidez, who was awaiting the arrival of his aunt, a master sergeant in the Air Force, said although her absence made for a trying four months, it was great to see how many people came together in support of the country at the onset of the war in Iraq.
"I'm overcome with pride to know that she was willing to put her life on the line for the security of our nation," Benavidez said. "It feels good to have her home, but it feels even better to know that she played her part in what she saw as a good cause."
Rick Montoya, acting general of the New Mexico National Guards, applauded the soldiers' work in Kuwait and said although they may not see the effects of their actions for three or four years, they performed their duties well.
"Everybody in life has a calling," Montoya said. "Today 13 of our brothers and sisters came back who, even when doing something that wasn't their calling, acted bravely and proudly in the name of our country. They are true heroes."
