Icemen return home with honor

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Boitz
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Iceman Team along with family members and guests gathered at the Joint Mobility Complex here to welcome Airmen home Apr. 10. 

The event honored more than 60 Airman who returned to Eielson from recent deployments. Among the Airman that returned, five Airmen received the Bronze Star Medal during their deployments. Those Airmen are Col. Mark Moore, 354th Operations Group Commander; Capt. Katarzyna Johnson 354th Operations Support Squadron; Senior Master Sgt. Albert Schneider, 354th Civil Engineering Squadron; Master Sgt. John Fife, 354th Contracting Squadron; Tech Sgt. Heath Tempel, 354th CES. 

Sergeant Temple, explosive ordnance disposal flight, said the event was important and that he appreciated that the base hosted the ceremony. 

"We get to recognize all the Airmen in different career fields that have deployed recently, it's fantastic and I'm proud to be a part of it." 

Sergeant Tempel received his Bronze Star, the second one of his career, for his leadership abilities in support of overseas contingency operations. During his deployment, he served on 124 missions and disabled 26 Improvised Explosive Devices, ultimately saving countless lives. Some of the specific actions by Sergeant Temple included taking control of a convoy and maneuvering vehicles to maximize safety of Airmen and Soldiers after the lead vehicle of his security element was struck by a roadside bomb. This occured while his team was returning from neutralizing an IED elsewhere. 

"I'm honored to receive the Bronze Star," said Sergeant Tempel. "My grandfather also received the Bronze Star in combat, it holds a special significance to me and I reflect on that." 

Sergeant Schneider, explosive ordnance disposal flight, was the guest speaker during the event and although he also said he was honored to receive the bronze star he said it was important to remember more than just the awards. 

"The awards today are great, but in 30 minutes they'll be forgotten," said Sergeant Schneider. "But in 30 years the only thing that will matter to a combat veteran are the rewards this country gave him, and there's no greater reward than bringing him home alive." 

Brig. Gen. Mark W. Graper, 354th Fighter Wing commander, summed up the pride and appreciation he felt for both his returning warriors and their ever-supportive families. 

"The one thing tougher than being in harm's way is having a loved one being in harm's way," said General Graper. "We're happy to have all of you back." 

He also left crowd with a quote from Sir Arnold Wilson, who was the civil commissioner of Iraq from 1917-1920. 

"They stood in lonely places not only for their country, but for the ideals of justice which, as the world will someday come to realize, transcend those of nationality." 

Following the ceremony, Airmen and families were treated to free hamburgers, hot dogs and entertainment tailored to the entire family.