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Air Force father and son reunite in Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shilo Weir
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  When Jon Borseth joined the Air Force in 1979 he had no idea he would be deployed with his son 27 years later.

Master Sgt. Jon Borseth and Airman 1st Class Jon Borseth II, reunited in Southwest Asia earlier this year when both deployed to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing to support operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

"When I found out that Jon was deploying, I made sure my unit knew that I was interested in deploying and that I wanted to come here," explained Sergeant Borseth, 386th Expedition Aircraft Maintenance Squadron C-130 Production Supervisor. "And, here I am."

Sergeant Borseth normally is with the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, while Airman Borseth is with the 95th Security Forces Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif. Neither Sergeant nor Airman Borseth necessarily planned to deploy together but the results have definitely been positive.

"I actually volunteered to go to Afghanistan, but I am really happy to be here," said Airman Borseth, II, 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. "When I am at home at Edwards, I need to a passport to go and visit."

Airman Borseth has had little time to visit family since he enlisted and entered active duty almost two years ago.

"Initially, when I enlisted, I wanted to be a firefighter, but I enjoy security forces. I really like the mission we are doing here," said Airman Borseth.

Sergeant Borseth, too, is gaining a lot from his deployment experiences.

"I have had unique opportunities here," he said. "I am learning a lot more about the C-130 than I ever knew before."

Many find deployments to be rewarding and unique experiences that they will remember for a lifetime, but few can say that their deployment was a great opportunity to reconnect with family.

Sergeant Borseth said that Jon's mother was nervous that they were deploying but happy about the location they are in and that they are together.

"My dad has helped me out by giving me advice and support when he knew I needed it most," Airman Borseth added.

The benefits are clear.

"I like my job and what I do here, but really, the best part about being deployed is being able to see my dad more often than usual," Airman Borseth said.

Dad agrees, saying "Simply being able to see Jon and visit with him a lot more is the best part about being deployed."

Sergeant Borseth said this will likely be his last deployment as he plans to retire shortly after returning to Yokota Air Base.

Airman Borseth plans to stay on active duty for at least eight years and finish his degree.

They can't spend as much time together, but Sergeant Borseth would not change a thing.

"Jon has wanted to enlist since he was 14 years old," Sergeant Borseth said. "I miss him, but I am proud of his choice to join the Air Force."