Airman awarded Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Air Force Times
  • staff report
A security forces airman who spent a yearlong deployment training Iraqi troops was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service recently.

Capt. Russell Waight, the 18th Security Forces Squadron officer in charge of plans and programs at Kadena Air Base, Japan, led a six-person team at Al Kasik Military Training Base to help train, mentor, lead and equip hundreds of Iraqi soldiers, according to an Air Force press release.

"At first, we were a little wary of each other," Waight said of his dealings with the Iraqi troops, "but we soon began to build a nice working relationship and forged bonds that are strong to this day. It was hard for us sometimes because some soldiers that were sent out on a mission didn't come back alive."

Waight drew up the lesson plans for teaching Iraqi troops in the use of force, rules of engagement, communications, guard mount and weapons safety, according to the Air Force.