Deployed aerial porters find themselves in unique situation

Published Sept. 9, 2011
By Senior Airman David Carbajal
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Deployed locations for AF servicemembers bring together diverse skill sets, backgrounds and components, but very few bring together a married couple.

"We've been married for 15 years," said Master Sgt. Sean Veerapen, who was born in London.

He and his spouse, Staff Sgt. Sheila Veerapen, have five children together ranging in age from 23 to 13.

Before joining the Air Force, the Veerapens both enlisted in the Department of Navy. Master Sgt. Veerapen enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1988, while Staff Sgt. Veerapen enlisted in the Navy in 2000.

After serving four years as a Marine, Master Sgt. Veerapen enlisted in the Air Force in 1992 and has worked air transportation manager ever since. Similarly, Staff Sgt. Veerapen traded "blue" uniforms in 2010 and also works as a 2T2.

The Veerapens have worked alongside each other since Dec. 19, 1994, when they attended the New York City Police Academy together.

"In our 17 years, we've never worked in the same borough together but we're still coworkers," she said. Currently, Staff Sgt. Veerapen works as a patrol in Queens, N.Y., while the master sergeant works as a detective in the Bronx.

As Reservists, they work much closer in proximity.

"We're both assigned to the 35th Aerial Port Squadron in New Jersey," the master sergeant said. The 35 APS is at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

In 2010, they were both notified that they would both be going on their first deployment, but they were shocked by its location.

"We were surprised when we received orders to the same squadron," he said. "But we were ready to go."

The couple arrived here together June 23. Since then, Master Sgt. Veerpen has worked as the aerial port ramp section NCO in charge and Staff Sgt. Veerapen has worked in outbound passenger services.

At home, the Veerapens would get one day off together every six to eight weeks, said Staff Sgt. Veerapen.

"Surprisingly, Sheila and I have spent more time together here than we ever have," he said.

"The hours we work as police officers can make schedules challenging, but since we are on the same shift here, we can eat together and even take our day off together."

The transition from home to KAF was a challenge for both of them. With female and male rooming separation, the married couple cannot occupy the same living quarters. This took the couple some time to adjust to new sleeping habits.

"There were many sleepless nights when we first got here," Master Sgt. Veerapen said.

"But with time, and more communication throughout the day, we were able to overcome that," she said.

The husband and wife experienced another "first" during their deployment.

"This past Fourth of July was the first holiday we've spent together since we've been married," Master Sgt. Veerapen said.

The couple is set to depart KAF at the end of October along with many other fellow 35 APS Airmen currently assigned to the unit.

Display

Carbajal