The Air Force has awarded Bronze Medals to four airmen from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, who served on explosive ordnance disposal teams in Iraq. They are Capt. Stephanie Root, TSgt. David Fitzgerald, SSgt. Michael Pray, and SSgt. Sjon Higgins. Fitzgerald also received Army recognition via a Commendation Medal with Valor for helping to save four military members whose vehicle flipped over into a canal. In total, the four airmen conducted some 740 EOD missions, disarming more than 400 improvised explosive devices, among other actions.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.