First Lt. Michael Small received a Bronze Star for leading and helping organize the first Air Force-only Security Forces unit to conduct law and order operations on an Army facility—Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, Iraq. Under his watch, the airmen handled more than 10 mortar and rockets attacks, a rape investigation, and provided security support for several VIPs. The Army submitted Small, who is an instructor with the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron, Eglin AFB, Fla.
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.
