4th MXG deputy receives Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  A Bronze Star Medal presentation is not something that happens every day. Only those who perform great acts of bravery, merit or meritorious service earn the medal.

Lt. Col. Neil Allen, 4th Maintenance Group deputy commander, now stands among the select few authorized to wear this medal, after a presentation ceremony here April 12.

"The Bronze Star Medal, for those of you who may not know, is the equivalent of the Air Medal for the ground forces," said Col. Joseph Diana, 4th MXG commander. "You look at Colonel Allen and you say 'wait a minute he has wings on, what is he doing with a ground medal?' No, he did not commodore a tank and drive through the streets of Kandahar. This is really a testament of the success of the 336th (Expeditionary) Fighter Squadron in the air, based on his leadership on the ground."

While deployed from May to September 2009, Colonel Allen served as the commander of the 336th EFS at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. There he led 56 aircrew and 20 support personnel. His Airmen executed 2,010 combat sorties and logged 8,500 flight hours. Colonel Allen also oversaw the execution of more than 1,000 close air support and 750 troops-in-contact missions. During the 336th EFS's deployment the unit flew six times the missions they would fly during the same amount of time at their homestation.

"I was humbled, honored and lucky to command an Air Force fighter wing during combat operations," said the Houston native. "Medals such as this represent the dedication and work of the more than 400 4th Fighter Wing Airmen I served with during that time. In my mind, this medal is more about these Airmen than about me."

Following his Bronze Star Medal presentation, Colonel Diana presented Colonel Allen his third Meritorious Service Medal.

"There are thousands of other Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors who did as much or more than I did to defend our nation in Afghanistan," Colonel Allen said. "They serve selflessly without the anticipation of any recognition. Some receive medals and unfortunately, some of them are posthumous recipients. These men and women are true American heroes. I was in awe of their service during my time in Afghanistan and I still am."

This fall several members of the 4th FW will rotate back to Bagram AB.

"I challenge you to make the next (rotation there) better than the last one," Colonel Allen said. "The 4th FW at Bagram made a real and lasting impression on that entire area of responsibility. The day we left we were missed. We did not miss a beat over there."