MSgt James Donnelly has returned safely after nearly 11 months of active duty, including 185 days at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. Donnelly, who has been the IT Manager at Pond since 2013, was active Air Force from 1997 to 2005 and joined the 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron (JCSS) of the Georgia Air National Guard in 2005, which he still serves.
Donnelly worked as the Liaison Officer (LNO) responsible for 25 Airmen in Afghanistan and Iraq, while working with the Joint Communications Unit providing communications support from Bagram Air Base managing personnel at Forward Operation Bases (FOBs). Services include secure network and phone communications as well as maintaining network backbone over routers and switches. He was also responsible for providing IT support for a Task Force, including the 75th Ranger Battalion and Other Government Agencies (OGA) by means of a help desk and supply for more than 2,000 users.
“As a traditional Guardsman, when being deployed there are a few more stressors than while on active duty,” said MSgt Donnelly. “However, after working at Pond, I was constantly reassured and felt confident of my position at Pond upon my return, which allowed me to focus more on my job while deployed. It was also comforting to know that while I was deployed Pond employees met with my wife regularly ensuring that my family was doing well.”
“To show my appreciation for Pond’s overwhelming support I flew more than 30 American flags over Bagram AB Afghanistan and presented two to President and CEO Tony Parker for his family and for Pond.”
Pond is a proud supporter of the military, including support of the Wounded Warrior Project, and currently employs 46 veterans.