The White Falcon - 27.10.2004, Page 4

From Bronze Star Pg. 1 --------------------------------------------------
who points out that throughout their three-month deployment the team both
lived and worked in the same Humvee, eating MREs and taking “baby-wipe
showers”. “Once the vehicle stopped we could have the equipment up and
operational within 20 minutes. We could break it [the equipment] down and be
ready to move again in five.”
Throughout the deployment Kessell and his team traveled as part of a fifty-
vehicle Coalition convoy comprised of mostly U.S. Army Rangers.
Kessell’s convoy entered into Iraq from a secret Saudi Arabian location during
the first evening of the air campaign.
“I had never received training on night vision goggles before that night,”
recalls Kessler who was required to wear them while serving as his team’s
driver during the initial push into Iraq. “1 drove ten hours that night wearing
them before we stopped and set up the equipment.”
Operational responsibilities and the threat of enemy mortar and small arms
fire kept the convoy highly mobile throughout its stay in Iraq.
“We must have moved at least 60-times [during the deployment],” said
Kessell. “24 hour workdays became a common occurrence. Between the stress
of getting shot and a heavy work load sleep was often avoided.”
During the three months Kessell spent in Iraq, his convoy came under enemy
fire several times - one of the contributing factors towards him receiving the
bronze star. However, it was the threat of enemy attack that Kessell claims was
the most harrowing.
“We were at risk 100 percent of the time,” said Kessell. “And that’s the worst.
It’s better just to know that it’s coming and take cover than to be unsure.”
In May 2003, after spending more than three months in Iraq, Kessell and his
team returned to their respective bases from Baghdad.
“We all still keep in touch,” said Kessell referring to his five companions he
spent the war with. “We really feel like six brothers now.”
Kessell arrived at Naval Air Station Keflavik (NASKEF) about one year ago
and currently serves as a Mission Crew Commander at the 932n(^. In this posi-
tion Kessell is charged with supervising and training approximately ten of the
squadron’s junior Airmen.
Compared to Iraq Kessell says that Iceland is a dream duty location.
“Everyday I think about how lucky I am,” said Kessell. “Iceland makes you
appreciate what others are doing.”
Despite his contentment here in Iceland, Kessell claims that in some ways he
misses his time in Iraq and the companions he served with.
“For the first time in my [nearly nine-year military] career 1 felt like I was
really doing the job that I was trained to do and making an impact,” said
Kessell.
Although he was surprised that he and his comrades received this high award
- Kessell thought that lie might have been too junior in rank - Kessell claims he
is honored, but cherishes the non-tangible rewards of his service more.
“I feel like I have gained so much character after my time in Iraq,” said
Kessell. “ After what I’ve been through I feel like I can now do anything I put
my mind to.”
(Above) Col. Phillip Gibbons, 85th Group commanding officer, awards
Staff Sgt. Kevin Kessell the Bronze Star for his actions in Iraq. (Photoprovid-
ed by 85th Group PAO) (Page 1) Kessell poses in front of a Saddam Hussein
mosaic in Baghdad. (Below Left) Kessel and his team pose in front of their
Humvee in the Iraqi desert. (Photo provided by Staff Sgt. Kessell)
NASKEF Sailors greet returning SeaBees at air terminal
Story and Photos by EACS(SCW) Edwin Gonzales
On Oct 20, about 80 Seabees from NASKEF Public
Works, NATO SATCOM and NCTS welcomed 70
returning warriors from Iraq, on a stopover at the
station. 50 of the returnees were Seabees from 22nd
Naval Construction Regiment (NCR) Gulfport MS and
Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCB) 14
& 15, on their way home after a successful 8-month
deployment in support of OIF II. Joining these Seabees
were members of U.S. Army’s 343rd Quartermaster
Battalion and a Marine Advisor.
The returning troops were overwhelmed by this “all
hands” NASKEF greeting which included NAS spous-
es, Hospital, Chapel and USO representatives.
BUC(SCW) Foltynewicz from Naval Air Station
Kefiavik's Public Works department serves hot
pancakes to go with eggs, sausage and other goodies
to troops returning from Iraq.
Page 4
The White Falcon
October 27, 2004