Award: Security Forces officer receives Bronze Star, team earns medals

Blackanthem Military News, HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass., March 03, 2006 12:54

The commander of the 66th Security Forces Squadron received the Bronze Star Medal for his service in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the 66th Air Base Wing commander's call Feb. 15.

Maj. Michael E. Gimbrone, along with three noncommissioned officers from the 66th SFS, received awards for their efforts while deployed to Southwest Asia during the first half of 2005. The team stood up the first-ever purely U.S. Air Force unit responsible for law and order operations at a U.S. Army installation within Iraq.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army of the United States, distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.

The unit, in addition to the four from Hanscom, comprised 26 U.S. Air Force security forces personnel stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, and 18 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. They replaced an Army military police detachment with, according to Major Gimbrone's award narrative, "a smooth and virtually seamless transition."

As a deployed commander, Major Gimbrone now has a greater appreciation for what servicemembers face during the war on terror.

"Although we stayed very busy, I had time to reflect on why we were there and what it means to be a member of today's U.S. military," he said. "I joined the Air Force 17 years ago for one reason: to serve my country. Having seen the incredible job our forces are performing in Iraq and receiving support through e-mail messages and packages from throughout the United States, I am more proud today than ever to be a member of the greatest Air Force the world has known."

The major also served as the provost marshal for their forward operating base.

Among the NCOs who were recognized, Master Sgt. Jody L. Laffon received the Meritorious Service Medal for contraband sweeps, unit morale assurance, and personnel and equipment accountability.

Sergeant Laffon seized two rifles, more than 100 bottles of alcohol and unauthorized cellular phones, military articles, ballistic vests and digital cameras. Seizing this contraband material prevented their use in future possible terrorist attacks.

Staff Sgt. Jason R. Lussier earned the Army Commendation Medal for his services as noncommissioned officer in charge of the supply section, crime scene photographer and member of a contraband sweep team.

Sergeant Lussier's efforts safeguarded $500,000 worth of military equipment, provided key photographic evidence to military investigations, and uncovered possible intelligence gathering equipment and weapons leading to investigations of six people.

Staff Sgt. Theodore R. Yost II also received the Army Commendation Medal for his work in customs, victim response and investigation assistance.

Sergeant Yost detained one suspect after an intelligence-based sweep of local national interpreters, which protected against possible bomb-making materials. He also assured no harmful materials were transported into the continental U.S. while working with the customs division.

According to Major Gimbrone, "the other deployed members from 66 SFS, along with Security Forces members from other Air Force bases, performed in an exceptional manner. From serving as the unit first sergeant [Sergeant Laffon], to keeping flawless track of all supplies and equipment [Sergeant Lussier], to conducting detailed investigations [Sergeant Yost], 66th SFS members were integral to successful mission accomplishment."

By 2nd Lt. Geoff Buteau
66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs