The 133rd Airlift Wing is motivated to get to Afghanistan and carry out missions there.

There is a minor mechanical issue with the aircraft that needs attention before the next leg of the journey can be carried out.

Leah and I spent time with the Airmen as they said goodbye to loved ones back home in Minnesota Monday morning.

No matter how proud each member of the 133rd is of doing their job it's always difficult to leave family and friends for an extended period of time.

Deploying every seventeen months for duty can be taxing and the emotional stress is hard for everyone. But their sense of duty is admirable and the pride these Airmen show is worth noting.

We hope to fly tomorrow evening to England, refuel and carry on to Romania. It will be a long two days in the C-130, but this crew is committed to getting to Bagram so they can get there in time for relieve Airmen on schedule to return home to their family and friends in Minnesota.

We are meeting new friends and will continue to document their progress.