Three explosive ordnance disposal technicians assigned to the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, have received the Bronze Star for their meritorious actions in Afghanistan and Iraq earlier this year. They are MSgt. John Beebe, TSgt. Lazaro Acosta, and SSgt. Christopher Martin. Beebe oversaw 14 EOD teams as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 755th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight at FOB Shank in Afghanistan. Under his leadership, these teams successfully executed more than 1,500 EOD combat missions and safely removed more than 500 improvised explosive devices. Acosta and Martin were team leaders with the 447th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight in Baghdad, Iraq. They helped their teams dispose of 22,100 pieces of ordnance totaling more than 9,700 pounds. Acosta also led 43 EOD combat missions, while Martin led 14, all under the threat of insurgent attack. (Kadena report by A1C Maeson L. Elleman)
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
