CSAF awards medal to wounded AIrman

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Staff Sgt. Nick Bradley received the special treatment he deserved when Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, recognized him recently. 

The general pinned medals on three Airmen at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D. C. Sergeant Bradley was one of those injured while deployed to Kabul with a team from the 96th Security Forces Squdron. General Swartz honored him with both the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Medal. 

Sergeant Bradley was wounded when an improvised explosive device exploded near his vehicle as he was serving with a convoy traveling in Afghanistan. The blast caused facial fractures, a fractured foot, traumatic right arm injuries and amputation of a finger on his left hand. An Army passenger in the vehicle with Bradley was killed in the blast. 

General Schwartz said the ceremony was important and a "very special moment when we recognize valor, when we recognize all that is worth our time and our devotion." 

The sergeant was also presented a Combat Action Medal for active participation in combat having been under direct and hostile fire during military operations while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He continues his rehabilitation at Walter Reed. 

Sergeant Bradley was clearly moved by the ceremony and grateful to share it with his wife, Chantal. 

"Having my wife here when I got my medal--I can't describe my emotions," he said. "When they brought her up on stage and they pinned my medal on, it means a lot to have her here today." 

The 12 other Airmen from his team arrived back from their six-month deployment Oct. 5. Team Lead, Master Sgt. Arthur Tuskes, said it was tough to come home without one of his Airmen. He said morale took a big hit after the accident, but he and his team pushed forward and completed their mission as true warriors and professionals.

"At first it was rough, but then we all got it together to get the mission done and get home safely," he said.