Serving through the season: 1st Lt. Eric Buss

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  While many members of Team Malmstrom will be spending the holidays with their families and friends, 53 missile combat crew members will be spending their holidays 50 feet underground in a dimly lit capsule with their co-workers. 

One of those missileers is 1st Lt. Eric Buss, 12th Missile Squadron missile combat crew commander, who will pull alert Dec. 25 

Although it's not quite the same as spending time with family, many servicemembers make family-like connections with the people they work closely with so frequently. Being with these co-workers can help take the edge off being away from their real families during the holidays. 

"Of course I'd rather be with my wife and her family over Christmas, but my crew is going to make the most of it and bring huge amounts of holiday food to eat and share on our alert," Lieutenant Buss said. 

Even though he is missing Christmas with his family, Lieutenant Buss said his wife and he will be going to Kansas Dec. 27 to see her family. 

"At least we get to leave and spend a late Christmas and catch New Year's with them," the North Carolina native said. 

Lieutenant Buss realizes the importance of his service over the holidays as well. 

"I feel that we should work a holiday in order to give others time to spend with their families," he said. "It is my honor to be able to do this and give someone else the chance to be at home with their family." 

While Lieutenant Buss spends his holiday underground, there are still many of our counterparts from Team Malmstrom deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism who will be serving through the season as well. 

"For me, it is about taking care of our fellow Airmen and giving them a chance to take advantage of being around their loved ones during this special time of year."