Hometown Heroes

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Samantha Beary, 36th Airlift Squadron aviation resource management craftsman, updates an aircraft utilization report March 29, 2011. A native of Denver, Colo., Sergeant Beary maintains and controls the aviation resource management system which records data about the flying time for aircrew and aircraft as well as aircrew training records. "I think it is sad that we have to implement something like Operation Tomodachi; but I am excited that Operation "My Friend" is in effect and that we are able to pull all of our resources together to help make things easier on our host nation. This operation will definitely be a long lasting memory for me and it is an experience that I will be able to share with friends and families for years to come," said Sergeant Beary. Along with fellow Airmen Sergeant Beary is working 12 hour shifts in support of Operation Tomodachi. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)