SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- For most Airmen, deploying on the current air and space expeditionary force rotation means spending the holidays far from family and home. But for two Airmen with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing here, it means getting closer to their religious roots.
Though a general order prohibits Airmen from entering mosques, Staff Sgt. John Autry, of the 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Adeel Meo, of the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, have been spending time since their deployments began worshiping at the local mosque.
In the process, they have been serving as informal ambassadors, representing their comrades and their country to the local community. At the same time, they said they are educating their fellow Airmen about their religion.
Sergeant Autry and Airman Meo are practicing Muslims, two of the fewer than 800 in the Air Force. Through a special arrangement between the 386th AEW and its host nation, these Airmen get the chance to not only worship at the local mosque, but to do so during Ramadan, one of the holiest months of Islam.
“I knew that (the order) said no mosques,” Sergeant Autry said. “But that’s for non-Muslims. Since I am a Muslim, I asked the chaplain about it.”
“We explored all the options available,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Samuel Rorer, a 386th AEW chaplain. “There’s no military Imam in the area, so we looked to see what other resources were available. We spoke with the local base commander and made contact with the administrator of the mosque and found out that not only were they willing to accept our guys, but that they would welcome them with open arms, and the Imam himself ensured they were taken care of.”
Both Airmen have been attending services at the mosque since shortly after they arrived in September. While not quite sure what kind of reaction to expect, they were thrilled with the warm reception they received.
“It was the most blessed event I have experienced in a long while,” Sergeant Autry said. “We were accepted with open arms. The congregation was fully supportive and respectful in the most.”
“They’re extremely friendly,” Airman Meo said. “A local military member saw us and welcomed us as the ‘new faces who haven’t been here before’ and offered to help if there was anything (we) needed.”
Both Airmen said they are equally happy to be able to spend one of the holiest holidays on the Muslim calendar here.
“It’s a good feeling (to be deployed here),” Airman Meo said. “When I got word of (my deployment) I was really looking forward to it because I was finally going to get a chance to spend Ramadan in an eastern country.”
But the Airmen are not the only ones who felt enriched by the experience.
“The (local people) were very honored that we would meet the needs of Muslim people,” said Chaplain Rorer, “and we were honored that they welcomed our people in. It is a very positive experience for all.
The month-long holiday of Ramadan requires Muslims to fast from dawn to dusk every day. Also, it calls prayers five times a day. Balancing this with military necessity can provide some challenges, which both Airmen said they are ready to meet.
“I’m going to perform all of my religious duties during Ramadan; fasting, no drinking of water,” Sergeant Autry said. “It’s going to be a little difficult, and I’ll perform them to the best of my abilities, but of course the mission comes first.”
“The office is very accommodating, and I work the night shift, so (not eating) won’t really bother me,” Airman Meo said.
Being a Muslim and in the Air Force is about more than just finding a way to worship during Ramadan. The Airmen said they find themselves acting as ambassadors to both the Americans and the locals.
Airman Meo said he has not been treated differently because of his religion.
“They know I’m a Muslim, and it isn’t an issue,” he said. “But I do spend a lot of time explaining (to other people) what’s going on with my religion, especially around Ramadan and in a deployed location. People want to learn about Islam and the culture they’re deployed to.”
Sergeant Autry echoed that sentiment.
“If people see me praying, they’re very interested in what I’m doing, and they’ll ask the question,” he said. “The reception here at work has been nothing but great; they’re very supportive. They’re very helpful and eager to let me do whatever it takes for my religion, especially around this time.”
The men say they appreciate the opportunity to educate their fellow Airmen.
Because there are so many stereotypes, it is nice to be able to express some of the truths and open peoples’ eyes, Sergeant Autry said.
But their ambassador role does not end there. They have also taught local people about Americans and offer a positive example of the United States and the Air Force, he said.
“The opportunity we’ve been given is truly a blessing from God,” said Sergeant Autry. “It’s a great feeling knowing that we can show that not all Muslims are the image you see on TV. The negative groups you see call themselves Muslims, but they’re not. Islam is about peace. At the same time, I was asked (at the mosque, why), ‘the Americans let you come here?’ I was very happy to talk about the freedom of religion we (as Americans) enjoy.”