Nellis welcomes home RED HORSE from deployment Published Oct. 6, 2010 By Senior Airman Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- More than 150 Airmen assigned to the 820th RED HORSE Squadron returned home from an eight-month deployment to various bases in Southwest Asia Oct. 5. The Airmen were greeted by RED HORSE leadership on the flightline and transported to the RED HORSE assembly hangar where they reunited with friends and family. "This is what it's all about," said Col. Darren Daniels, 820th RED HORSE commander. "These men and women have served to the best of their abilities time and time again. With a deployment rotation schedule like we experience here at RED HORSE, families are our biggest supporters; without their support, we wouldn't be able to be as efficient as we are." RED HORSE, which stands for Rapid Engineers Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer, provides the Air Force with a highly mobile civil engineering capability in support of contingency and special operations worldwide. They are self-sufficient mobile squadrons that provide construction support such as runway repair, electrical upgrades and equipment transport. RED HORSE squadrons also build lodging facilities, storage areas and operational buildings in deployed environments. "RED HORSE is equivalent to a construction company," Colonel Daniels said. "Each member of RED HORSE is capable of carrying out tasks ranging from plumbing to carpentry." One returning Airman was surprised to learn that, while deployed, she was selected as a senior airman below-the-zone recipient. Airman 1st Class Megan Meyer, 820th RHS power production specialist, was presented the rank by Colonel Daniels in a ceremony at the assembly area. "It's an honor to be selected for promotion," Colonel Daniels said. "The dedication she has shown every day is reflected by her selection as a below-the-zone recipient." RED HORSE also welcomed back members in September who were participating in Operation New Horizons. New Horizons Panama 2010 includes six major construction projects at four schools and two clinics in the vicinity of Meteti, located in the Darien region of Panama. "It's amazing to be home again," said Airman 1st Class Matt Jahn, 820th RHS engineer. "It's a wonderful feeling to be able to see all of our family and friends again."
