Three Kadena EOD techs awarded Bronze Stars

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Three explosive ordnance disposal technicians from Kadena's 18th Civil Engineer Squadron were presented Bronze Star Medals Nov. 5 at the Rocker NCO Club for their actions while deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan earlier this year. Additionally, another 18th CES EOD technician was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his actions in Afghanistan.

As team leaders with the 447th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight in, Baghdad, Iraq, Tech. Sgt. Lazaro Acosta and Staff Sgt. Christopher Martin led their teams in disposing of 22,100 pieces of ordnance totaling about 9,700 pounds. According to the award narratives, their efforts significantly hindered the enemy's ability to emplace improvised explosive devices.

By providing direct support to the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat team, 2nd Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sergeant Acosta led 43 EOD combat missions and Staff Sgt. Martin led 14 EOD combat missions all under the threat of insurgent attack.

Sergeant Acosta has served as and EOD technician for 14 years and has been deployed eight times to include three combat deployments to the Middle East, while Sergeant Martin has served eight years and has been on four combat deployments - twice to Iraq, and twice to Afghanistan.

The third EOD technician earned his medal while deployed to Afghanistan. Master Sgt. John Beebe managed 47 people while overseeing daily operations as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 755th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan.

According to his award citation, his command and control of 14 EOD teams "was essential" to the successful execution of more than 1,500 EOD combat missions. His leadership also enabled the safe removal of more than 500 IEDs.

The former Marine has served for 12 years in EOD and has been deployed 10 times, including two combat missions as a Marine Corps EOD technician and three as an Air Force EOD technician.

"We are proud of their incredible accomplishments and contributions to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander. "Their selfless dedication during combat operations undoubtedly saved the lives of countless American and coalition forces."

The EOD technicians commander, Lt. Col. James Greene, echoed the general's words.

"The Bronze Star Medals awarded to Master Sgt. Beebe, Tech. Sgt. Acosta, and Staff Sgt. Martin are indicative of the tremendous Airmen in today's Air Force," said Lt. Col. James Greene, 18th CES commander. "As one of our highest operations tempo career fields, EOD represents the 'All-in' commitment by the Air Force to the joint fight in both Afghanistan and Iraq. I am proud to serve with these brave engineer leaders. They perform their duties to the highest levels anytime, anywhere, anyplace."

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to servicemembers for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service.

In addition to the three Bronze Stars awarded in the ceremony, EOD technician Master Sgt. James Jones was presented with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his actions while deployed to Afghanistan.