ControlTek President Andy LaFrazia sends greetings from Al Asad Airbase in Iraq.
Andy LaFrazia, President

Controltek greetings from Al Asad Airbase in Iraq. I’m over 50% through my deployment and wanted to give everyone an update of what I’ve been up to as well as share what has been happening at Controltek since I’ve been away.

My first stop on the journey to Iraq was McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma. This is where I normally work 1 weekend a month as a Reservist with the 446th Civil Engineering Squadron. I spent a week at McChord getting in-processed (getting a lot of shots), training and getting my team of 14 Reservists ready to go. After this first week and a tough goodbye to my family, I headed to Fort McCoy in Wisconsin for Army Combat Skills Training (CST). I like to think of my time at Fort McCoy as an Army hazing program for Air Force personnel. Since my unit’s mission here in Iraq is normally filled by Army units, they call it an “In Lieu Of” tasking (ILO) and try to provide training in skills we normally don’t receive in the Air Force. This included weapons, tactics, communication, combat lifesaver, language, culture, convoy, explosive ordinance recognition, improvised explosive device (IED), and combat operations training. The training was long and physically demanding, but provided preparation for potential challenging environment in Iraq or Afghanistan. The change to the Army life was a shock. We lived in old WW II barracks and had pretty bad food in a chow hall (the Army likes to call it a dining facility – but I refuse to degrade the term dining).

After completion of training, we were bused to an old airfield and put on a charter flight to the gulf region. We were able to stop in Ireland for fuel and we had time for a final beer. It was very humbling entering the airport terminal with my troops in uniform to a standing ovation by the people waiting for flights. I will remember this event for a long time. I stayed at a transitory base for a few days and then was transported into the combat zone. Taking a C-130 on a combat landing with full body armor and weapons under the full effects of jet lag is not a recommended pleasure activity.

The preparation for poor conditions and hostile activities was very thorough, but has not been needed at my location at Al Asad Airbase. We are in the middle of the desert in the Al Anbar province and have nearly 17,000 Marines close by. The Marines nicknamed Al Asad “Camp Cupcake” since compared to normal Marine conditions it is pretty nice. The base is currently home to the 2nd Marine Air Wing (MAW) and is home to the Marine Air Mission in Iraq. We have fixed and rotary wing operations on the airfield and we are a major logistics and operations hub for Iraq.

My role at Al Asad is as the spoke commander of the RED HORSE unit. We are a “spoke” of the main RED HORSE unit in Iraq. I have about 60 Air Force “Horsemen” working for me conducting heavy construction activities. We are building hangers, warehouses, classroom, and office space as well as working electrical, airfield and road projects. My role is as the commander, the only engineer and the project manager. I have enjoyed working with mostly Marine and Navy personnel. We have less than 100 Air Force personnel on base and my unit is the largest Air Force presence. Our unit website is:

http://819redhorse.com/default.aspx

Most of the photos from the field are from my base and are my projects.

We have good living conditions compared to many people over here and our area is very safe. We still carry weapons everywhere (I think something to do with being on a Marine base) and occasionally have to wear our body armor and helmets. My days are long (12+ hours), but I normally get Sundays off and I’ve been able to go to church and go running a few times a week. Our chow hall is run by KBR and we have great food (although it repeats every 3 weeks).

My troops consist of Reserve and Active Duty Air Force personnel from bases all over the US and the world. I have carpenters, electricians, heavy equipment operators, engineering assistants, plumbers and supply technicians. I’ve been extremely impressed with their commitment and focus on getting the mission completed. The Air Force is truly composed of some amazing personnel. Due to the deployment requirements and the smaller force size, most of my troops have been deployed numerous times. I’m in awe of their personal and family commitment.

While I’ve been away Controltek continues to grow and flourish. I know if has been a sacrifice for many of the Controltek family, and I want to know that I appreciate their efforts that have allowed me to serve this mission. I sure didn’t expect to be activated, but I’ve embraced the opportunity and I’m appreciative of all those who have provide support.

My planned return date is in the middle of April (probably in time for taxes!). I will still be Air Force “property” for 30 days on my return, but I should be able to go home and start back to work. We are authorized 2 weeks of “recuperation” and 2 weeks of leave before I will be out processed. I’m really looking forward to getting back with my family and spending time at home (also to having an indoor bathroom that I don’t have to put my boots on to go to!). As for Controltek, I’ve been able to keep in touch and I’m looking forward to being engaged in all the exciting activities soon. I also think I will have to work extra to cover for the folks who have worked so hard while I’ve been gone!