Combat Airman recognized

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephen Linch
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  A member of Team Whiteman received the Bronze Star for displaying exceptionally meritorious service while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Col. Garrett Harencak, 509th Bomb Wing commander, presented the Bronze Star to 1st Lt. Matthew Kowalski, 509th Security Forces Squadron, Nov. 28.

The medal is awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in or with the military of the United States after Dec. 6, 1941, distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. Lieutenant Kowalski, who served as a flight leader, 586th Expeditionary SFS, was responsible for protecting the largest theater internment facility in the Department of Defense with more than 14,000 detainees and a logistical support area housing more than 3,000 coalition forces members.

During this time, the lieutenant provided 360 degree security when insurgents attacked Camp Bucca with mortars and rockets on three separate occasions.

Colonel Harencak addressed a crowd of more than 50 members of the 509th SFS after presenting Lieutenant Kowalski with the Bronze Star.

"He exemplifies the warrior ethos that allows us to hunt down and destroy America's enemies," Colonel Harencak said.

Lieutenant Kowalski believes this award represents more than just his own accomplishment, but those of the men and women he commanded.

"This award is significant for me because it is really for my Airmen who I had the honor of commanding while I was deployed," Lieutenant Kowalski said. "Their hard work and dedication to duty inspired me to do my best every day."