Three airmen from the 28th Security Forces Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, S.D., have received medals for heroism during deployment to Iraq in 2005. SMSgt. Gregory Williams and MSgt. Kelly Mixson each earned the Bronze Star with valor and SrA. Pamela Bolton earned the Air Force Commendation Medal with valor for their actions during deployment to Balad Air Base. During a June 15, 2005, attack on Balad, Williams ran through a 10-round mortar barrage to help injured troops, giving first aid until medical assistance arrived. Mixson braved small arms fire and burning ammunition after a July 8 IED attack on a patrol to move wounded team members to safety. On the same mission, Bolton also rushed through small arms fire to help a wounded comrade and helped to coordinate an airborne medical evacuation.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.