Maj. Anthony Diaz, operations officer with the 802nd Contracting Squadron at Lackland AFB, Tex., on June 14 received a Bronze Star medal for his meritorious service in Iraq. During a 12-month deployment that concluded earlier this year, Diaz served in Baghdad as a contracting advisor to US Forces-Iraq’s border enforcement transition team. He was cited for exemplary leadership and business skills in ensuring the timely processing of foreign military sales programs valued in excess of $1.2 billion. He also contributed to the successful turnover of numerous completed construction projects and participated in numerous convoys throughout Baghdad as a vehicle and convoy commander, driver, and gunner. (Lackland report by Mike Joseph)
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.
