Lackland NCO earns Bronze Star

[FFLSinHI]

http://www.randolph.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123294964

3/22/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- An NCO from the 802nd Comptroller Squadron earned the Bronze Star March 14 for her actions in Afghanistan.

Tech. Sgt. Christina Gamez, a financial analyst in the 802nd CPTS, received the Bronze Star for meritorious service from Brig. Gen. Theresa A. Carter, 502nd Air Base Wing commander, prior to a commander's call at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

The Bronze Star is the U.S. military's fourth-highest individual decoration for bravery, heroism or meritorious service.

Gamez distinguished herself by meritorious achievement as the NCO in charge during a 365-day deployment, January 2011 to January 2012. While in Afghanistan, she accurately executed operational funds across eight remote bases, providing commanders with flexibility in support of counterinsurgency efforts. Gamez trained 68 operational fund teams, reviewed 34 projects and funded 280 joint acquisition board packages enabling critical base sustainment.

"Ask me to recognize anyone else and I can talk for days, but to brag about myself, I'm not the best," Gamez said. "I feel like I did my job, kept a very busy pace and made improvements any place I could."

"I did my best to make a positive impact on the mission, and was surrounded by countless others doing the same," she said. "Between my husband, my leadership both here and in the field, and those who served with me, I had set the bar high. I am truly grateful for their support."

As the financial reviewer of the joint facilities utilization board, Gamez validated forward operating base requirements to provide the facilities in support of Operation Enduring Freedom missions.

Gamez took the lead as program manager to draft the statement of work, initiated the joint acquisition review board package and solicited estimates for a mass notification system. Her work will provide an early warning notification system to more than 2,500 personnel at the installation and a nearby camp in the event of imminent attack.

 

[exagony]

Army and the Air Force just give those Bronze Stars away...what next someone who licked 10000 envelopes in Iraq???? It lessens the meaning to those who earned it in combat operations - which is what most people associate it with it being awarded for...pathetic...just saying

 

[dougdrvr]

They need to modify it. For example, it could be a Bronze Star with an "A" Device (for conspicuous administration)

 

[100-1/2]

Unbelievable.

Next it will be a queer with a silver star for the best MWR Programs/facilities in theater for organizing the most comprehensive and wide ranging initiatives for deploying IFC, Oxygen and Logo into broader media outlets for combat deployed troops throughout Afghanistan, Iraq (third-time will certainly be the charm) and soon, Tehran?

Political Correctness and Affirmative Action at the Pentagon has successfully spit upon and cankered the image, reflection and memorial of many of our fallen and surviving heroes as well as the spirit of the services and recognition for duty above and beyond the call.

100-1/2

 

[IBNAV8R]

Ygbfsm!!!

 

[humveedriver]

That's why there is a "V" device for valor. Which she did not earn nor receive. On my last tour (army), Gen Petraeus told his commanders that they were no longer authorized to recommend a meritorious service medal. Because he felt that OEF was a combat theatre and the MSM should only be awarded for peaceful operations. Defense MSM's were awarded but only if you were assigned to a joint task organization. I believe this is a leadership issue and the excellent service and commitment from our soldiers/airman should not be diminished because we as leaders fail to balance heritage and honor with recognition.

 

[IBNAV8R]

Political correctness will be the downfall of our military and country - not necessarily in that order. Thank God I served when I did. I don't know how you guys keep from puking daily under the current chain of command.

 

[Jetdriver69]

A Bronze Star for clerical work???? I understand it was in a combat zone, but commanders should be given the latitude to award the appropriate medal for the appropriate accomplishment and risk. When I was still on active duty, a pilot had to fly 20 combat sorties to get 1 Air Medal. I'm not blaming the recipient, but the award seems a bit excessive for the situation.

 

[trip]

Typical of today's society WAFJ.

 

[exagony]

What's next a Medal of Honor for getting the general his coffee?

 

[SIG600]

Rest assured, the Navy/Marines still have standards. Working for the Army, while our counterparts all earned BSM's the highest the Navy's concurrence board would allow the Army to award our Navy folks is an Army Commendation, which is still the highest award most have earned. I've yet to see a Sailor or Marine with a BSM that didn't have a "V".

 

[LearLove]

"I'm Gonna Get You Sucka" at 43 minutes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=4HGeVQGDy2U&NR=1

 

[Benhuntn]

meritorious spit shine award... that is coming soon.

 

[Jack Mehoff]

You forgot to add "queer beater" on your ratings you turd.

Unbelievable.

Next it will be a queer with a silver star for the best MWR Programs/facilities in theater for organizing the most comprehensive and wide ranging initiatives for deploying IFC, Oxygen and Logo into broader media outlets for combat deployed troops throughout Afghanistan, Iraq (third-time will certainly be the charm) and soon, Tehran?

Political Correctness and Affirmative Action at the Pentagon has successfully spit upon and cankered the image, reflection and memorial of many of our fallen and surviving heroes as well as the spirit of the services and recognition for duty above and beyond the call.

100-1/2

 

[Just thinking]

This decoration authorized by Executive Order No. 9419 on February 4, 1944, is awarded a person in any branch of the military service who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States on or after December 7, 1941, shall have distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.
The award recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver Star. It also recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious service if the achievement or service is of a lesser degree than that deemed worthy of the Legion of Merit; but such service must have been accomplished with distinction.
Army personnel who, as members of the Armed Forces of the United States between December 7, 1941, and September 2, 1945, were awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge or Medical Badge for exemplary conduct may upon application receive the Bronze Star Medal. Although these World War II badges were not authorized for award until after July 1, 1943, those whose meritorious achievements in combat before that date can be confirmed in writing may also be eligible for the Bronze Star Medal.

The medal, designed by the firm of Bailey, Banks and Biddle, is in the shape of a five-pointed star 1 1/2 inches from point to point. In its center is a smaller raised star. The small star is set on a raised ten-pointed figure, from which rays extend to the points of the outer star, giving the whole a sculptured effect. The reverse of the medal also has a raised center, with rays extending to the five points of the star. Inscribed on this are the words "Heroic or Meritorious Achievement,' encircling a blank space for the recipient's name. The ribbon is predominately red, with a narrow blue center stripe flanked on either side by a narrow white stripe, and a narrow white stripe at the outer edge. A bronze "V" on the ribbon denotes combat service.

This is a demonstration of the lack of leadership within the Air Force. Plain and simple, a travesty of the awards program that has now tarnished this award within the Air Force.
I remember reading a citation from the Vietnam War about the efforts and heroic actions of a L/Cpl...... chilling to say the least and made the hair stand up on the back of your neck. That L/Cpl was now a Sgt Maj....
That citation was on a letter of achievement.

 

[humveedriver]

She did 365 day tour. Pretty impressive for the Air Force. I've seen the same award given for less than what she did. I know where alot of the negative comments are coming from. But believe me. If you are ever in a position/situation to earn any kind of combat or valorous medal, after its all said and done, you realize it's just a piece of metal and cloth. It's not going to bring any body back who you have lost. For some the medals represent glory. But the big ones represent pain and loss. Carry on.

 

[ChinaClipper]

I stopped breathing for a minute....Did she get a Purple heart for any paper cuts? Accidentally stapling her fingernails for a MWR request?