From the Frontlines: Airman 1st Class Corle Ryle

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The open road can lead us to many places, but it's not every day we are faced with challenging conditions with every turn of the key. Currently facing this issue is Airman 1st Class Corle Ryle, 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron, who is deployed from this Air Force Global Strike Command base.

Airman Ryle departed Whiteman AFB Jan. 20 and is working at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, where he is assigned to the 424th Medium Truck Detachment.

Prior to deploying, Airman Ryle trained at Camp Bullis, Texas, where he attended a Basic Combat Convoy Course, or BC3.

The 30-day training taught Airman Ryle the skills he needed to take-on new challenges as the driver for the lead vehicle on convoy operations and he said he is using what he learned from the course and applying them to real world situations.

"My mission is to withdraw cargo from the bases," said the navigator vehicle driver in training. "I also perform preventive maintenance checks and services which is a structured method of maintaining equipment in full-mission capable readiness condition.

"We inspect our trucks and ensure they're road ready, then drive hours monitoring roads and do the last drop-off and pick up cargo," the airman said.

Airman Ryle is responsible for ensuring the convoy stays on course of its designated route and make route adjustments as necessary. He takes over those duties during long trips where driver and truck commander switch positions, according to Master Sgt. Richard Barker, 424th MTD alpha element sergeant.

Airman Ryle said the difference between his deployed role and his mission at Whiteman AFB is that while deployed, he is supporting all military branches, not just the Air Force.

While absent from Whiteman AFB, Airman Ryle said he volunteers to set-up base activities for different events and ceremonies and was the guidon bearer for many flight runs.

"Getting involved helps keep me busy and makes time go by faster," he said. "The best part of my deployment is the great people I've met and live with. I'll never forget the friendships I've made here."

Airman Ryle said he enjoys being deployed, and it's a great way to do new things and it keeps his job interesting.

While this is Airman Ryle's first deployment, he said there is nothing like it. He said he talks to his wife and family as much as he can and said he misses them the most.

Airman Ryle is scheduled to return in the fall and his supervisor there said he his is proud of his accomplishments thus far.

"Airman Ryle is a highly motivated Airman who has grasped the convoy logistics patrol mission very well," said Sergeant Barker. "For his first deployment, he shows no signs of it in his training or on the roads of Iraq. He is always asking his leaders for volunteer opportunities. He has represented the Air Force in a Joint Logistics Task Force Flag Football tournament and 12-mile ruck-sack warrior run. Airman Ryle has also volunteered as a physical training leader and helped three Airmen from his convoy team lose 20-30 pounds each by providing diet and work-out schedules. He has definitely found his purpose here and has been a great representative of Team Whiteman."