Military

BURGAS, Bulgaria (USAFENS) -- As midnight approaches, the fog rolls off the Black Sea blanketing the endless barren fields surrounding the international airport here.  Just a few thousand yards to the west, six proud beacons cut through the cold, dense air as if to say, "look at me."  Standing taller and more illuminated than any buildings nearby, the six giants demand attention.

A closer look reveals the word "McGuire" in gold letters on a blue background, showing the towers are not lighthouses to warn approaching ships, but rather the tails of KC-10 Extender refueling aircraft waiting anxiously to get into the fight.

The KC-10s, with all Air Force Reserve crews, were sent here as part of the 409th Air Expeditionary Group to continue to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.  In addition to standing ready for Air Force missions, the aircraft have unknowingly dazzled local observers.

"It's a very beautiful thing," said Tatyana Hadjieva-Valeva, a 409th AEG interpreter of almost 20 years.  "I saw pictures and read the Internet about (KC-10s), but this was my first time to see them."

Flying is freedom, she said.  The poets always say dreams fly.  Dreams are symbols of the human spirit.  To fly is to have unlimited space and feel as the owner of the universe.

Being the owner of the universe isn't just for the poets, according to Hadjieva-Valeva.

"Airmen are special.  They're free every time they're airborne."

The younger generation in Bulgaria also knows about freedom of flight.  Polina Tincheva, a 22-year-old interpreter, said seeing the KC-10 was exciting, and it marked the first time she knew she would get a close look at a U.S. military aircraft.  Since being onboard, her friends have had many questions for her.

"They're very interested and curious," said Tincheva.  "This is the first time for many of us to see these planes and American people.  They're curious more than anything."

The curiosity of the younger Bulgarians reaches beyond the flightline.  Tincehva said her friends ask her about the behavior and personalities of the service members.

"They don't ask about war or fighting," said Tincheva.  "They want to talk to people, but right now, they just enjoy watching them.

"(Americans) behave normal," continued Tincheva.  "They don't do anything wrong.  We watch them downtown at restaurants and clubs.  One of my friends is a big U.S. fan, and he asks me, 'Why don't you introduce them?  I want to ask them some questions.' 'Is that OK?'"

When she does get a day off, Tincheva says she misses the service members most of all.

"I don't want any days off," said Tincheva.  "I miss the camp.  I miss the people-my friends.  I'm having great fun."

At 20 years her elder, Hadjieva-Valeva echoed Tincheva's sentiments.

"I love my job, but the people make it wonderful," said Hadjieva-Valeva.  "I've made lots of friends, especially pilots.  They're free, friendly and intelligent people."

Hadjieva-Valeva said meeting the service members has given her the tools she needs to help calm the fears of some of the local residents.

"I'm not sure the media knows the truth," she said.  "Sometimes I think they try to make people feel scared.  Too many people are ready to believe everything they read.

"I tell my friends they have nothing to worry about.  I work with these people, and they are good people.  If they knew (409th AEG members), they wouldn't fear."

The KC-10s, obvious from the highway, are just the opening chapter of a much larger story about a fairy-tale relationship between two countries with very different pasts.  Regardless, the gray giants are the first glimpse of America some Bulgarians have seen.

"I have to look," said Tincheva.  "I'm excited to see them."

Although the service members of the 409th AEG are working hard to build on an already great relationship with the Bulgarian people, perhaps the KC-10s also deserve credit as silent ambassadors that stand tall through the night.

-- USAFENS --