Shaw heroes

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C.-- Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander, presents Staff Sgt. Scott Ackeret, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal technician, a Bronze Star May 11 in hangar 1200 during a commander's call. The bronze star is awarded to servicemembers who distinguished themself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. Sergeant Ackeret received the medal for his excellence as an EOD team leader, while deployed to Iraq. He ensured the safety of more than 16,000 coalition forces, multinational contractors and local nationals. He also executed more than 105 combat missions under the threat of insurgent attacks to exploit, render-safe, recover and destroy improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance. His team conducted over 25 counter-insurgent IED search and destroy combat missions along critical supply routes. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class William Coleman)