AFDW civilian spends Thanksgiving in Kyrgyzstan

Published Dec. 2, 2009
By AFDW/PA

AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON -- When the Air Force Chief of Staff visited with deployed Airmen during a two-day trip to the Manas Transit Center in Kyrgyzstan Nov. 26 and 27, he was met by Debra Czajkowski, a deployed AFDW civilian working as the Chief of Protocol under the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Ms. Czajkowski deployed in November from her job as the chief of Services for AFDW/A1. Since her arrival at Kyrgyzstan, she has worked non-stop, welcoming distinguished visitors through Manas, which is a hub for providing air combat power projection throughout the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

"Ms. Czajkowski said she is working long hours with non-stop distinguished visitors arriving, but the work is rewarding.

"My Thanksgiving was spent with the Air Force Secretary and Chief of staff. It was a great day, but tiring," she said.

She said she is grateful, as a civilian, for the opportunity to deploy downrange and work with military members from all services.

"I am glad I am here for the experience and now know what our troops are doing and how they are being taken care of," she said. "We do a tremendous job taking care of our own."