5 defenders earn recognition for deployment efforts

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 4th Security Force Squadron commander recognized the accomplishments of Airmen who recently returned from Afghanistan and set the tone for upcoming deployers during a Warrior Send-Off Ceremony Aug. 6.

The ceremony provided a chance for peers, families and friends to learn about what the redeployers achieved while they were serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"It allows for them to brag about the great things they did without them ever having to open their mouth," said Maj. Jim Alves, 4th SFS commander. "We get so used to deploying and we do it so often that the great things we are doing down-range get overlooked because we just think it's common place. The jobs, the missions and the experiences these defenders had historic, and it's the least I can do to present these medals they have earned in a forum where (others) can hear what they did and in that way, understand why they were gone for eight months and know they are defending this country honorably."

Congratulations to the follow Airmen who were recognized for their accomplishments while deployed with Air Force Achievement Medals:

Senior Airman Michael Hampton received his Air Force Achievement Medal for deploying to the 451st Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, to support the Office of Special Investigation Expeditionary Detachment 2,413 where he was a turret gunner. In this role he provided over-watch securing the patrol base during joint counterinsurgency operations. He was also selected to train 25 agents and security force members on the M2 .50-caliber machine gun, which enhanced the team's defensive firepower.

Staff Sgt. Kent Irving earned his first Air Force Achievement Medal oak leaf cluster while deployed to the 451st ESFS. Sergeant Irving served as a vehicle operator and logistics custodian for the OSI Det. 2,413. In this role he led his team on more than 115 combat missions, patrolling more than 3,000 miles in areas fraught with roadside bombs and insurgent forces.

Staff Sgt. Dale Morgan-Jones received his Air Force Achievement Medal while serving as a military working dog handler with the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. While at Bagram AF he participated as a member of the Coalition Entry Control Point's first outside the wire combat mission. He and Kery, his German Sheppard canine partner, served as a deterrent to help suppress a violent riot involving more than 100 Afghanis. He also worked with explosive ordinance personnel to set-up joint training exercises with locally produced explosives to increase canine detection proficiency.

Senior Airman Dino Legg deployed to the 451st ESFS to support OSI Expeditionary Det. 2,413 where he also earned his first Air Force Achievement Medals oak leaf cluster for his actions as a .50 caliber machine gunner. He provided protection for his team and 10 agents during 115 combat missions stretching more than 3,000 miles. In addition, the 451st Expeditionary Wing commander recognized him as the wing's Right Start award winner during November.

Senior Airman Daniel Sholar earned his Air Force Achievement Medal while deployed to the 451st ESFS supporting OSI Det. 2,413. While serving as a vehicle operator and primary medical liaison, his efforts enabled the collection of critical intelligence that led to the capture of insurgents. Airman Sholar aided in the delivery of more than 4,000 pounds of humanitarian aid to 200,000 Afghan citizens in 99 villages, bolstering public confidence and aiding in the collection of critical intelligence in Kandahar Province.

In addition, to recognizing the contributions of these five returning warriors in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Major Alves laid out his expectations for the security force Airmen who will be deploying during the next few months.

"I expect them to be profound in their abilities, professionalism in their attitudes and proficient in their jobs," he said. "But more specifically, I expect them to bring the fight down-range and defend their brothers and sisters in arms. I expect them to; should they have to, kill the enemy with smart, well trained, tactics and most importantly, no matter what, I expect them to make us, their families and their communities proud of a job well done."

As the ceremony rapped up, Major Alves left the deploying officers and NCOs with a simple charge.

"Take care of your Airmen," he said.