Christmas Eve on Sather AB

SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq -- Tech. Sgt. Maurice Nelson, 447th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, deployed from the New Jersey Air National Guard at McGuire Air Force base, takes a quick break from working inspections in the base Scorpion Search Pit on Christmas Eve to enjoy popcorn mailed to him from Cub Scout Pack 14 out of Wilksbarre, Pa., and to share his appreciation for the cards and goodies the boys mailed to him. The Force Protection Flight assistant night shift NCOIC supports the 447th Air Expeditionary Group mission of providing aerial port support, command and control of the military runway, aerial control, base operating support, combat Airmen and combat medical support. Sather AB is one of the busiest airfields in Iraq, averaging 329 transient aircraft activities each week. The base moves the most passengers in the country, averaging more than 6,200 passengers weekly, and it’s also the second largest mover of cargo in Iraq, averaging more than 1,700 tons weekly. (Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey)