Eldorado grad supporting peace efforts in Bosnia with Air Force

Dick Benoit

Thursday, May 17, 2001 | 9:30 a.m.

Robert Barnes, a 1995 Eldorado High School graduate, recently deployed for temporary duty at Taszar Air Base, Hungary, in support of Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The deployment is the largest concentration of airmen supporting the operation outside of Germany.

Barnes, a lieutenant and the son of Theresa Rogers of Las Vegas, is a cash control officer assigned to the 3rd Support Battalion. The battalion supports the Air Force's Air Mobility Command's around-the-clock missions to transport Army troops and cargo into Bosnia to maintain the peace.

California exercise

Cimarron-Memorial High School 2000 graduate Joel Bello recently supported a large-scale amphibious exercise in Southern California by the Marines of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Bello, a Navy fireman apprentice assigned to the amphibious transport dock USS Duluth, was one of 400 officers and sailors assigned to the 24,900-ton ship, which can transport more than 900 Marines and equipment to any beachhead in the world. The Marines used landing craft, air cushioned vehicles and helicopters to storm the California beaches.

"In exercises like this, I am getting used to being at sea for 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Bello, the son of Deanna and Dennis Bello of Las Vegas.

During the 17-day exercise "Kernal Blitz," conducted off the coast of Camp Pendleton, Calif., 45 miles north of San Diego, Bello's ship landed Marines and then conducted maneuvers concentrating on providing follow-up support for the amphibious force.

"The most rewarding part of my job is knowing I am making my family and friends proud," said Bello, who also trains to help evacuate U.S. citizens from dangerous areas during hostilities.

According to Navy officials, amphibious landing operations are considered among the most complex of all naval operations, and Bello's participation will enhance his capabilities as an American sailor during times of need. Exercise Kernal Blitz also included military units from Australia, Canada and Great Britain.

In brief

During the six weeks of training, the new airmen studied the Air Force mission, organization, customs and human relations earning credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.