Downrange: Our Airman's perspective Published Aug. 26, 2009 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Rank/Name: Airman 1st Class James Burns Unit: 436th Force Support Squadron Deployed Unit/Location: Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan Hometown: Cedar Park, Texas Describe your job at your deployed location? I was a Third Country National escort. I provided security for TCN's and other escorts I worked with along with the overall operational security of the air field and other base inhabitants. The average day consisted of working outside on the flight line 12 hours a day. The TCN's primary job was to construct new taxiways and expand the main runway. Sometimes, there would be over 100 TCN's working on active taxiways and sometimes on the active runway itself. We coordinated with the control tower to ensure their safety while we had inbound aircraft. What was one of the most memorable experiences? All my experiences were memorable because this was my first deployment, however, there is one experience that I will cherish and remember forever. I'm proud to say I had a chance to meet wonderful people from different cultures. I was there to protect them and provide them with the tools needed to obtain their own freedom, independence and democracy. This was a motivator for me to do my duty the best that I know how. How did your job at Dover prepare you or relate to your deployed duties? My first assignment at Dover before deploying was to provide customer service. This entailed meeting people across the Air Force spectrum - officers, enlisted, retired and dependents. This gave me a good grounding in working with people from diverse backgrounds. How did Dover's airlift mission affect your deployed mission and/or quality of life there? Dover's airlift mission provided Bagram with the commodities, tools and equipment needed to maintain a successful deployed military presence. It also provided me the personal necessities which we all take for granted in the U.S. When I saw a C-5 coming in for landing it provided me a link back home, a sight I will always cherish.