The Air Force has awarded a Bronze Star to TSgt. Patrick Ashford for action during his deployment to Iraq, reports The State newspaper. Ashford, who is with the 20th Security Forces Squadron at Shaw AFB, S.C., deployed for a year to Joint Base Balad in Iraq, where he aided a unit under attack, helping evacuate several airmen.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.

