Westover SFS members deploy to Afghanistan Published Sept. 15, 2010 By Andre Bowser 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- More than a dozen security forces squadron members deployed to Afghanistan Monday, embarking on a critical mission in which little details could be shared, and leaving behind loved ones for nearly half a year. The Airmen said farewell to family, friends and other squadron Airmen before leaving for about 180 days, as local news media captured heartfelt goodbyes, as well as interviews with the deploying Airmen and their family members. When asked by a television reporter what was the hardest part about deploying to Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Surprenant said, "Once today's over, it gets easier--this is the hardest ." He then returned to his wife and young children to say his final goodbyes. Jill Surprenant said her hands would be full caring for the couple's three little girls. Sergeant Surprenant said the task ahead of him was easier than the road before his wife and children. "I have my duties; I get up every morning and do my job, but they have the hardest job," he said of his young family. His wife nodded. "I might have to agree with that," she said. "He gets to be told what to do, where to go, how to do things. I have to figure out what to do. But the toughest part is not knowing how safe is he?" Security forces squadron reservists specialize in perimeter defense of military bases stateside and overseas. The deploying Airmen are part of Westover's increased operations that are supporting the Afghanistan surge of some 30,000 servicemembers. A blue Air Force bus departed Monday morning with the servicemembers bound for Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. The drone of its engine left in its wake family and friends extending waves as they huddled in anticipation of their beloved Airmen's safe return.