SrA. Joshua Labott, an explosive ordinance disposal technician with the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron at Shaw AFB, S.C., has received a Bronze Star with Valor medal for his actions in Afghanistan. On Jan. 19, an improvised explosive device went off near his dismounted patrol in Kandahar province, instantly killing the captain in front of Labott and the team chief behind him. His lieutenant was critically injured, and Labott was knocked out for a short period. “At first, I thought we were mortared,” he said, “but after the dust settled, I realized what happened.” Upon regaining consciousness, Labott concentrated on performing first aid on the lieutenant, who survived, while a firefight ensued with insurgents. Soon after the attack, rescue helicopters arrived. Five other airmen were injured in the attack. Labott also received a Purple Heart. (Shaw report by A1C Daniel Phelps)
Flying and fixing aircraft remains the Air Force’s reason for being, but protecting air bases from attack is becoming an essential component that makes those possible. Following attacks on air bases across the Middle East during Operation Epic Fury, point defense was among the hottest topics on tap at AFA’s…