Master Sgt. Thomas Freeman prepares for takeoff on a C-130 Hercules in support of the California firefighting efforts Oct. 25 from Channel Islands Air National Guard Base, Calif. Sergeant Freeman is assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard Airmen are participating in the Southern California firefighting effort. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Roy. A. Santana)