SrA. Michael Malarsie received the Bronze Star with Valor Medal for his heroic actions as a Tactical Air Control Party member in Afghanistan in January 2010 during a firefight that cost him his eyesight. “Words are not worthy of the heroism that Mike has displayed. He is a role model to us all,” said Maj. Gen. Byron Hepburn, commander of the 59th Medical Wing, who presented Malarsie with the medal during a March 30 ceremony at JBSA-Lackland, Tex. On Jan. 3, 2010, improvised explosive devices badly injured Malarsie and took his eyesight, and also killed several of his colleagues, during a mission to clear a small foot bridge of explosives. Despite his serious wounds, Malarsie continued to support his teammates until rescue came. Today, Malarsie remains on active duty. With the help of his seeing-eye dog Xxon, he administers the Air Force Recovering Airman Mentorship Program. “When I learned of those men who were never coming home, it changed my life. It motivated me. I decided I wasn’t going to let being blind hold me back. I am going to live my life, if not for me, then for them,” he said. (Lackland report by SSgt. Josie Walck)
Air Force Chief of Staff nominee Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said he'll give special attention to coordinating with the Navy on buys of new weapons.
