Football season offers unique method for deployed instructor to mark time Published Dec. 2, 2009 By Angela Cutrer and Susan Griggs Keesler News staff KEESLER AFB, Ms -- Tech. Sgt. Michael May has developed a unique way of tracking how long he's been deployed to Iraq. "It's based on the (National Football League) season," he explained. "The only days that I keep track of are Sundays. Each new week in the NFL is another week down. By the time the Super Bowl rolls around, I'll be close to going home!" Sergeant May, command post craftsman course manager in the 334th Training Squadron, deployed to Kirkuk Regional Air Base in September and expects to return by March. He's been at Keesler for three of his 11 years in the Air Force. This is his third deployment -- he went to Turkey in 2003 and Qatar in 2005. On an average work day, Sergeant May is on the job from 6:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The most memorable moment for him so far occurred the first time he experienced the base receiving indirect fire. His housing and support facilities include living in areas called multiple occupancy dorms that could house up to 12, but currently there are only three occupants. Other facilities include a mini base exchange, a recreation center, a library, a gym and a few Army and Air Force Exchange Service concessions. "Basically, we have everything that we need here," Sergeant May said. "The base often hosts recreational events to keep everyone occupied." He said the most challenging part of his deployment is being away from his wife and all the luxuries of home. His wife, Tech. Sgt. Laureen May, works in the 81st Medical Operations Squadron mental health flight. The newlyweds married two weeks before he deployed. "We don't have any kids, but we do have two Italian Greyhounds, Romi and Vino," he commented. "She and I keep in touch with phone calls a couple times a week and e-mail, and we try to Skype when we can." When asked how his deployment experience will enhance what he brings back to students when he returns to Keesler, Sergeant May said, "As a CP controller, you are always training for the 'what ifs' -- those things you never think will actually happen. It took more than 11 years, but the 'what ifs' are now happening. "It will help being able to explain to the students that all the training and hard work may not seem really important while it's occurring, but they're crucial, especially with how our career field deploys nowadays," he added.