(44th AW PA) - While the mission of airlift is the bread and butter of the 446th Airlift Wing, a good majority of reservists in the unit never experience that mission first hand. Certainly it would be hard to imagine any need to have a finance management specialist on an airlift mission.

Despite his desk-bound job, Senior Master Sgt. Alfredo Cruz, 446th AW financial management, finally got the opportunity to experience what aircrews experience on regular basis as he took part in a humanitarian mission to Africa this past summer.

Cruz was one of 11 McChord airmen who took part in Exercise Silver Eagle, a joint exercise between the Army and Air Force in which they deliver equipment and supplies, and provide training to military troops in African countries like Senegal and Mali.

The supplies and training are provided to support African governments' fights against insurgents.

Cruz, a Silverdale resident, said he felt privileged to be part of this exercise because the aircrew was made up solely of 446th AW reservists and he got to see firsthand the types of missions the wing is involved in around the globe.

"I got to see the great humanitarian work we at the 446th AW do, to help other countries maintain their security defenses," said the reservist of 15 years.

The sergeant added it didn't hurt that his family was excited he was involved in the exercise because, as he cheerfully said, "not everyone gets to go to Africa."

Cruz, who hails from the Philippines, said he was the paying agent who paid all navigational and landing fees on this mission. The NCO said all FM personnel should work as a paying agent at least once in their career because they will develop skills that are vital in a deployed environment.