Major with 53rd TMG receives Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  A member of the 53rd Wing's geographically separated unit at Barksdale Air Force Base was presented a Bronze Star, Jan. 19.

Maj. Nathan Dawn, Det. 1, 53rd Test Management Group, received the medal for his efforts during his deployment to Afghanistan working as the air command and control advisor for the Afghan Ministry of Defense.  Det. 1 of the TMG provides test management  to B-52 ground and flight operational testing.

"I am very honored and grateful to be recognized by my leadership for this distinctive award," said the 22-year veteran. "I never thought in my whole career I would receive a bronze star for my actions. I thank God for the strength and courage he gave me to do all the things I did that whole year."

During his year, the major worked directly with the Afghan Air Corps developing capabilities and infrastructure. He was involved in air planning, doctrine development and joint planning and developed and stood up the Afghan Air Command and Control Center.

"The moment I will always remember was flying in an old Russian-made Mi-17 troop transport helicopter over the mountains of Afghanistan to Bamiyan where the Taliban blew up the two giant Buddha statues," said the Texas native.

The major said helping Afghans in any way he could for the time he was there was what he was most proud of. More specifically however, the major coordinated Army aviation support to get critical ammunition, supplies and troops to an Afghan town being attacked by Taliban insurgents which in the end saved lives.

According to the major, there was plenty of lessons learned to take away and apply back home.

"I learned that with teamwork, good leadership and with the proper resources, our military, especially us Airmen, can tackle any task or objective," he said. "Our commanding general gave us the campaign plan objectives and his vision; and he cut us loose to get the job done. So, now as the director of operations for my detachment here, I want to take care of my people, make sure they understand what mission and objectives to accomplish. Just let them do their job and encourage innovation and improvements they may discover along the way."