Airman earns spot in new nationwide speaking tour

  • Published
  • By Jenna McMullin
  • 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  An Airman from the 33rd Fighter Wing is one of two Air Force members selected for a new Department of Defense outreach program.

Capt. Michael Frasco, a flight commander in the wing's 33rd Maintenance Operations Squadron, joins representatives from each military service in the "Why We Serve" Speakers Outreach Program, traveling around the country for three months telling his personal story of serving.

Eight military members - two from each service - are assigned each quarter to the program, which is designed to connect Americans with personal perspectives from Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors who recently served in Afghanistan, Iraq or the Horn of Africa.

"[Captain Frasco] is an excellent example of our Air Force to the local community and even more importantly he has an amazing story of success to share with the American public," said Maj. James Petrick, 33rd MOS commander. "It's officers like Mike Frasco who will continue to help our public understand what an important role our military plays in keeping our country and our allies secure both now and in the future."

In 2006, Captain Frasco deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom for six months to mentor and train the Afghan National Army. As a member of the Air Force Embedded Training Team, his charter was to provide a self-sufficient Afghan fighting force capable of defending their nation against Taliban forces.

"I'm proud of how I serve our country and what our Air Force stands for," Captain Frasco said. "Conveying how I serve is a passion of mine, and I'm looking forward to talking with all walks of Americans about what it's like to be part of the Global War on Terror."

Two days into Captain Frasco's deployment, the worst case of civil unrest broke out since the beginning of OEF and rioting began in the city of Kabul, in close proximity to where Airmen were housed. He volunteered to lead a quick reaction force and led a team of seven outside the base they were assigned to the local house where the Airmen were stranded. Upon securing the perimeter and evacuating the house, Captain Frasco provided safe passage for the Airmen and team members back to the base.

"I served the Air Force in a non-traditional role, which a lot of Airmen are doing because that's how our country needs us," Captain Frasco said.

In addition to his duties training the ANA, Captain Frasco volunteered to be a convoy commander. He commanded more than 90 missions over 7,000 miles of roads laden with improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers, delivering more than 100 passengers and 70,000 tons of cargo. No one was injured on any of Captain Frasco's missions, and 100 percent were completed.

Speakers are asked to share their personal experience with members of the public, and speaking venues range from academic institutions to business associations to other non-profit or non-partisan organizations. Requests for "Why We Serve" speakers are processed through www.whyweserve.dod.mil, where any organization can request a speaker for its event.

Captain Frasco will return in July to continue serving the wing as a logistics readiness officer.