In recognition for his work in forging self-sufficient Iraqi security forces at Al Kasik Military Training Base, Capt. Russell Waight, with the 18th Security Forces Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, has received the Bronze Star. On his year-long deployment, Waight led a six-person team in a multi-faceted mission that including writing security lesson plans, training and equipping 300 Iraqi troops to handle security on their own, and ensuring a safe environment for local and national elections.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
