Exodus deploys Airmen for holiday season Published Dec. 21, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- About 4,500 Airmen in training left Sheppard to visit their families and friends for the holidays during the 2009 Exodus Dec. 19. "We're moving a brigades worth of troops in just a few hours. It's neat to watch because this took months of planning, much like combat does," said Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon, 82nd Training Wing commander. General Mannon said Exodus has its advantages for Airmen and their leadership. "It's one of the best times of the year because these young people get to go home and talk about our Air Force and we get to see smiles on their faces," the general said. "It's also fun to talk to them about where home is and share a few jokes." Senior Master Sgt. Robert Smith, 82nd TRW military training superintendent , said he believes Exodus is a good chance for the students to visit their loved ones before their careers take off. "It's a good opportunity for the Airmen to go home and spend time with their families. Most of them are going to get to their first base, learn their jobs, do their (career development courses) and become very engaged in their work," he said. "This is the perfect chance for them to get a break." The Airmen were happy for the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones after months of serving their country, away from home in basic military and technical training. "It's a time to go back to see my family and friends," said Airman 1st Class Ryan Edwards, 383rd Training Squadron. "Being in the Air Force has taught me how much my family means to me." "It's kind of exciting because I'm going home and I haven't been there in a long time. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone that's supported me because I've really missed them," said Airman Joseph Bailem, 361st TRS. One Airman was particularly happy to go home because of his special plans. "I'm looking forward to getting a break and being with my fiancé, Kristen," said Airman 1st Class Sean Cooney, 365th TRS. "I'm happy that we're finalizing everything over the holiday season." While the AiTs are appreciative of Exodus, their military training leaders also take advantage of the break in training. "While the Airmen are off visiting those that they've missed, Exodus will be a bit of a downtime for the rest of the base," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Stabile, 82nd TRW MTL. "I'll be going home to see my family as well." The holiday Exodus typically runs through Christmas and New Year's day. Airmen will return to Sheppard Jan. 2 and resume training Jan. 4.