Airmen pass month-mark at Raider Air Base

Published July 20, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
Raider Air Base Public Affairs

RAIDER AIR BASE, ORANGE LAND -- EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE

As the sun rose over Raider Air Base, July 20, Airmen marked this as day 30 - in country.

The Airmen stationed here are primarily deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. in support of the joint force commander's ongoing mission in the region.

"We are working closely with our coalition partners so that together we can accomplish coalition objectives in the region," said Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, Raider Air Base commander. "We are committed to both defending our forces and supporting the local population of Orange Land.

Colonel Taliaferro said, the relationship with the people of Orange Land has been positive, and he is looking forward to strengthening the ties with Raider Air Base's host nation.

Airmen on base have begun meeting with local community leaders to determine specific options for lending humanitarian aid to the people of Orange Land.

"We are grateful for our American neighbors," said Simba Mufasa, Orange Land mayor.
"We are looking forward to building a bridge between our people."

While no specific plans have been finalized for humanitarian aid, Mayor Mufasa is certain any contribution made by the Airman at Raider Air Base will be a lasting and positive one.

"With the current hostilities running through our nation we appreciate any help offered to us," he said. "The Airmen at Raider Air Base have been nothing but generous and altruistic in their dealings with us."

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