Travis community shows support to deployed Airmen Published Jan. 4, 2007 By Maj. Richard Sater 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Lt. Gen. Gary North, commander of U.S. Central Air Forces, delivered a special gift to Airmen deployed here from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 28. The general presented them with a three-ring notebook filled with letters of support written by members of the Travis civilian community - letters from business professionals, teachers, tradesmen, school children and others. The letters express sincere thanks and good wishes for the troops deployed from the 60th Aerial Port Squadron assigned here to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Support Squadron's Aerial Port flight. General North presented the book of letters at a special assembly, congratulating the Airmen for their accomplishments during their deployment. More than 89,000 passengers and 41,000 short-tons of cargo were moved through the Iraqi theater of operations between September and December, a direct result of the hard work and dedication of approximately 100 assigned personnel. Seven different aerial port units have contributed Airmen to the 332nd ELRS. About two-thirds of the personnel are assigned to the 60th APS. Capt. Ed Gray, 332nd Aerial Port flight commander and also deployed from Travis, is grateful for the appreciation expressed in the letters from the community back home. "On behalf of the Airmen deployed here from Travis, thank you for bringing smiles to our faces and joy to our hearts during this deployment," he said. "It's a blessing to know that our challenges and sacrifices are appreciated by our local community. There are few words to describe our appreciation for your kindness and support." The 332nd ELRS is part of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, the largest forward-deployed Air Force unit in Iraq. The mission of the 332nd AEW is to provide combat airpower in support of national objectives, including precision air delivery of personnel and cargo via the aerial port flight.