More to deploying … Published March 29, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Ashley Coomes 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Creating cheer during the holidays for Airmen, voluntarily helping victims in the emergency room, and collecting toys for Iraqi children; these are ways one communications Airman made his deployment more than just his communications mission. Senior Airman Garrett Dawson, 319th Communications Squadron, recently returned from a deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq. Airman Dawson, a certified emergency medical technician, used his skills to help out in the Air Force Theater Hospital's emergency room three to four nights a week while working 12-hour shifts, he spent his spare time working to help others. "I had the skills and decided to help those who needed it," said Airman Dawson. Airman Dawson recalls one time when he felt the impact he made while he helped treat an Iraqi man with a bullet wound to the leg. "The man was freaking out and screaming from the shock of the wound. He didn't speak English, but I communicated to him just through eye contact. I let him know that everything was going to be okay, and we were there to help. The man quieted down after that," said Airman Dawson. "It's a good feeling you get when you know you're helping take care of people," he added. Airman Dawson also helped with collecting toys for Iraqi children. When the Airmen gave the Iraqi youth soccer balls, they started playing together. It was nice to see the Iraqis and Americans kicking the ball around, he said. Something so innocent can have a significant impact on life. "The opportunity arose for me to volunteer and I took it. It's more rewarding to get involved, because at the end of the deployment, all you have are your ribbons and your memories," said Airman Dawson.