Strategic communications: SNCO keeps senior leaders connected downrange

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ciara M. Travis
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Communication is an important part of military operations, made difficult in a deployed environment.

One Ramstein Airman knows this challenge first hand due to his role in keeping the most senior U.S. military commander in Afghanistan "connected."

Master Sgt. Kenneth D. Sherrill, 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron plans and resources flight chief, recently returned from a six-month deployment, where he directly worked for Army Gen. David H. Petraeus.

As the communications superintendant for General Petraeus, the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan commander, Sergeant Sherrill was responsible for five travel teams throughout the Area of Responsibility in Afghanistan.

These teams ensured senior leadership had the ability to communicate throughout the AOR from any location across the AOR.

While downrange, Sergeant Sherrill took the title of Communications Superintendant under the COMISAF and was responsible for five travel teams throughout the Area of Responsibility in Afghanistan.

"I was chosen to be the superintendant for all of the travel teams because of my management experience at my home station, where I happen to be the superintendant of several work centers spread throughout Germany," said the Cleveland, Ohio, native. "Because of my job, the communications team and I were able to work with General Petraeus on a regular basis."

Throughout his deployment, Sergeant Sherrill had a lot of extra responsibility on his plate. He and his communications team traveled with General Petraeus and his executive staff on multiple 'battlefield circulations.' During the battlefield circulations, they provided data communications and real-time voice throughout the entire AOR during all conditions and in many different locations.

"Although there were many similarities, each day was different than the previous," said Sergeant Sherrill. "In addition to managing the traveling teams, we were also responsible for executive communications throughout the headquarters building."

The communications teams supported the main headquarters staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing support at the drop of a hat.

"Being available nonstop meant we would either be physically working in the building providing supportive executive communications or we were in our communications building and available to respond to any issues that could occur throughout the day or during the night," Sergeant Sherrill said.

Although the heavy workload, Sergeant Sherrill had a great experience working directly with senior leadership.

"I have tremendous confidence in General Petraeus's leadership and command," said Sergeant Sherrill. "He is such a great leader and an inspirational person."

Along with the experience and knowledge gained, Sergeant Sherrill also left Afghanistan as a Bronze Star Medal recipient because of his hard work and leadership while deployed.

"It doesn't surprise one bit me that so much was expected out of [Sergeant Sherrill] during his deployment," said Captain Daniel C. Graham, 1st CMXS plans and resources flight commander. "He is always very easy going and smiling -- always glad to take on any task, which makes him very easy to work with."

Leaving Ramstein in September, the 1st CMXS will be saying goodbye to one of their great Airmen to another assignment. Although he is approaching his 22nd year of service, one thing is still certain; Sergeant Sherrill intends to keep the Air Force a part of his life for the long-haul.