SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- -- A 20th Security Forces NCO was awarded the bronze star during a ceremony at the 20th Security Force Squadron Jan. 16.
Tech. Sgt Patrick Ashford was deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq, as part of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.
While deployed, he directed combat operations supporting a police transition team in Baghdad, Iraq. He trained over 800 Iraqi police officers to protect civilians in the Doura District of Baghdad.
"They're glad we're over there and we're trying to make a difference for them," said Sgt. Ashford.
On two different occasions, Sgt. Ashford and his team encountered an improvised explosive device that detonated beside the vehicle, but no one was injured. After each attack the Airmen were trained to set up security cordon and gather intelligence to identify what type of device engaged the convoy. He said he considers himself and his team lucky on both accounts.
Spending many hours outside the wire, Sgt. Ashford covered over 7,200 miles in Iraq while on patrol. He designed a $3 million project to rebuild an Iraqi police station destroyed by insurgents. He also responded to an IED attack that killed one of his fellow Airmen and wounded three others. He organized a raid to arrest 11 suspects of the attack. One of them was the bomber.
"We are all very proud of Sergeant. Ashford's accomplishments during his deployment to Iraq," said Maj. Timothy Simmons, 20th SFS commander. "His dedication to the mission is a true depiction of what our Airmen stand for in the Global War on Terror."