Vets continue to serve Published Nov. 20, 2007 By Senior Airman Terri Barriere 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Every year on Nov. 11 Veterans Day is observed to honor the sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. While many veterans have laid their uniform aside after honorable service, some continue to serve as civilians and contractors. This is particularly true for many members of the 46th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit here, an organization comprised soley of civilians. "There's still a job to do," said Erin Mosman, 46th EAMU Predator plans and scheduling office. "There's still work to be done and a country that still needs to be built up, I'm happy that I'm still able to serve." Ms. Mosman was an Air Force crew chief for six years before transitioning to the civilian sector and said, for her, continuing to serve was an easy decision. "I chose to keep serving my country because it's the right thing to do," she said. "I chose this job, I chose this career field ... yet there is still that same sense of sacrifice." For many veterans continuing to serve, job satisfaction provides a sense of accomplishment. "It feels really good to be able to support the ground troops directly," said Adrian Estrada, 46th EAMU Predator production superintendent and a retired senior master sergeant. "I am proud every time an aircraft takes off because I know we are still helping save lives." "I enjoy being able to do what I did for 23 years when I was in the military, and now I continue to serve in a different capacity. You can't beat that." Having served in Operations Desert Fox, Enduring Freedom and now here as a contractor, Mr. Estrada said his real heroes are the servicemembers serving on the ground today. "They are the ones who are truly making great sacrifices," he said. "My hat's off to them and I'm proud to be serving next to them."
