Airman visits pen pal students at Hardeman School

Senior Airman E-4 Caleb Hedrick, left, addresses students at Hardeman School, with whom he was "pen pals" during his eight-month tour of duty in Iraq. (Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

One of the fun things about Hedrick's mission was flying on planes frequently and venturing to far parts of Iraq, including those near the country's borders with Kuwait and Iran.

"I enjoyed the travel," he said.

Caleb Hedrick stands outside Al Faw palace in Baghdad. The palace, which was one of Saddam Hussein's former residences, is now used by the U.S. military. (Contributed photo) [Click to enlarge]

While abroad, Hedrick was a pen pal with the students in Hardeman teacher Kendi Deal's class. They sent him cards and letters, and he often sent e-mail messages with pictures of the foreign land.

When he spoke to the students Wednesday, Hedrick mentioned some of the lifestyle differences between the two countries.

"They don't live like you live," he said. "Their neighbors are right next to them and on top of them."

Hedrick told the students many Iraqis live in stucco houses, and that not all children get to go to school. For the first three months of his deployment, Hedrick lived in a tent, sleeping on a cot.

In the rural areas, Hedrick said, "It's very rare to even have indoor plumbing."

He and his fellow soldiers had to walk one-quarter mile to the bathroom. And he pointed out that, even when soldiers go to the restroom, they take "wingmen" for safety reasons.

Students were especially curious about Hedrick's armor and weaponry. They asked numerous questions about the types of guns he carried and shot -- usually a .556-caliber rifle and a 9-mm pistol. With his Kevlar vest and helmet, weapons, ammunition, water bottle and a rucksack, Hedrick said he frequently carried up to 60 pounds of gear.

When questioned about hand-to-hand combat, Hedrick said, "There's no more 'Saving Private Ryan' moments anymore," and he wouldn't say whether he ever shot a person.

Hedrick, who is just 23, joined the military after college "didn't work out" for him.

"The military ended up working really well for me," he told the students, and encouraged them to "always try to do what you want to do."

Judging from his list of awards, Hedrick has indeed flourished in the Air Force. In February 2008, he received "Airman of the Quarter" out of all airmen in Iraq. In May of that year, he was presented with the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Hedrick was named "Airman of the Quarter" for his squadron and his group in the second quarter of 2008. He was chosen as "Airman of the Quarter" again for his squadron in the fourth quarter of 2008. And, he was "Airman of the Year" for his squadron in 2008.

For his volunteer work with groups like Habitat for Humanity and Good Will, Hedrick received the Joe Kellogg Blue Suit Award. Hedrick was awarded the Air Force C-4 Award for his Major Command, and a communications and information award for his wing and MAJCOM. He is now competing for the latter award at the Air Force level.

Hedrick plans to remain in the Air Force as a career, though he is also hoping to further his education. He would like to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla to study electrical engineering.

And, he hasn't ruled out becoming a paratrooper. One student asked if he would ever jump out of a plane, and Hedrick replied, "I hope so."

Currently, Hedrick is stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Chris Hedrick and Tammy Wilson of Marshall. His wife, Katie, is the daughter of Mike and Diane Gremaud of Marshall.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net