270th EIS rolls out

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Christopher Botzum
  • 111th FW Public Affairs
     On Nov. 10, members of the 270th Engineering Installation Squadron arrived early in the morning to make final preparations for their overseas deployment. This was the second of two separate deploying blocks. The dreary day did not hamper the excitement and anticipation of the two dozen members awaiting transportation.
     Technical Sgt. Marinko Lemut, a 23 year member of the unit as an antenna, cable and radar installation technician was spending some time with his daughter and grandchildren.  Staff Sgt. Victoria Long, daughter of Lemut and nine year member with the unit, stood close by as "Pop-Pop" carried his grandchildren among the crowd of family members, well-wishers and co-workers during the send-off.
     "We've been preparing for the trip for about a year now," said Lemut. "Of all the training required, the combat skills course at McGuire Air Force Base was the greatest test. The 30 day intensive training was physically and mentally challenging, but the course did a great job of getting us ready for our trip," he added.
     For Tech. Sgt. Christopher Spencer of the 270th, this would be his first major deployment.  He finalized outprocessing as his wife, Kristan and parents greeted the assembled crowd. Spencer's father, John, is a retired member of the unit and reacquainted with many in the crowd. "I'm very proud of my son's commitment to the Guard," said John as he reflected back on some of his own deployment experiences.
     The 270th EIS members will be tasked throughout their deployed region in constructing, modifying and repairing a variety communication and information transfer hardware assets.