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response force leader with the 721st Security Forces Squadron at Cheyenne Mountain AFS, Colo., SrA. Nicholas A. Hurt is one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012. As part of a quick reaction team at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Hurt disrupted an insurgent supply point by discovering a weapons cache and destroying 200 pounds of explosives. He also responded to 14 indirect fire attacks, clearing mission-critical zones without taking casualties or losing assets. He was the designated radio telephone operator for 38 outside-the-wire missions, gathering key intelligence and strengthening the coalition bond with host nationals. He was also the only airman first class to lead three 13-personnel squads for outside-the-wire presence/reconnaissance patrols. He responded to a severe head trauma injury, applying combat lifesaver skills to stabilize the victim, and provided emergency medical help to an ill Afghan child. Hurt’s home of record is Chino Valley, Ariz.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.