4 Airmen, 4 stars

  • Published
  • By Sachel Seabrook
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Four Airmen were awarded the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces Nov. 28 here.

Col. Sal Nodjomian, 96th Air Base Wing commander, presented Tech. Sgts. Jeffrey Barnett, Lucas Dorosky, Michael Tesch and Staff Sgt. Daniel Garrett the Bronze Star medal for their service as explosive ordnance disposal team leaders while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during a commander's call at the Eglin Enlisted Hall.

"I feel very honored to stand on the same stage as these four men," said Nodjomian.

Each Airmen, who are a part of the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron, had a different story to tell and for each one, the award means something special.

"When I think of the folks that came before us and earned this medal − to know I'm a part of them, makes me proud to wear this medal," said Garrett.

During a mission into the Zana Khan district of Afghanistan, his patrol encountered heavy enemy contact. Garrett positioned his driver to engage the enemy as he directed his gunner to provide covering fire for dismounted soldiers. Under his leadership, the patrol suppressed the enemy until air support arrived. He also destroyed 3,500 pounds of enemy explosives and prevented the potential assassination of Afghan government officials.

Tesch, who participated in seven air assault missions and destroyed four enemy caches, said, there was one night in particular he will never forget.

"There were two IEDs (improvised explosive devices) outside a compound we went to with Special Forces," Tesch explained. "We hiked in, took care of the IEDs and all I kept thinking was 'please don't let this blow up.'"

Tesch helped destroy 6,000 pounds of enemy explosives during his deployment.

Dorosky, who planned and executed 76 combat missions resulting in the destruction of over 10 tons of net explosive weight, said he felt humbled to receive this award. He led multiple demolition operations destroying over 40,000 unserviceable coalition forces military munitions. His explosive expertise greatly reduced the hazards on Bagram and the surrounding villages.

"We are all very thankful and lucky to have them home safe," says Sarah Dorosky, looking to her husband.

Among his many accomplishments, Barnett detected, identified and disposed of two landmines directly in his team's path while leading a response to two IED's, hand-carrying a robot, explosives and mission essential equipment.

In addition, he also brought attention to the increasing threat in the Zabul region and strengthened the coalition's good standing in the area by caring for the Afghan people and their property.

After completing six month tours, the Airmen are excited to be home, just in time for the holiday season.

"I'm looking forward to family time," said Barnett. "They are who we are all thankful for."

The Bronze Star is a United States Armed Forces military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service.

"We are very proud of them and for everything they do," says Christine Garrett, Garrett's spouse. "They don't make a big deal when they receive awards, so it means a lot to us as to see them getting the recognition they deserve."