MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- “Deploying into a combat zone for a year is intense,” said Capt. Kristen Miranda, 366th Force Support Squadron operations officer.
Miranda served as the director of operations for the 405th Expeditionary Support Squadron at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, from April 2019 to April 2020. She was awarded the Bronze Star, August 20, 2020, here for her heroic actions during an 11-hour complex ground attack on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan on December 11, 2019.
“I went through a lot of things that I didn’t expect to go through while deployed,” said Miranda. “It really solidified my passion for what I’m doing for my Airman and for this job.”
Miranda disregarded her own safety and left a position of cover during continuous small arms fire to enable facility repairs, restore communications and deliver 1,800 Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) to wing personnel. Her actions furthered base defense procedures resulting in an F-16 Fighting Falcon launch that led to the casualty of nine enemy combatants that ended the attack.
Her actions were a key element in the protection of life and security of Air Force resources during her deployment. While these are the actions that earned Miranda the Bronze Star, she also executed a major role in additional tasks throughout her deployment.
Miranda integrated daily operations for 652 personnel across 27 specialties in the largest squadron in Afghanistan.
Miranda also launched the first ever Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center in Afghanistan, procuring $19,000 in body armor and chemical warfare items. This resulted in the Air Force saving over $3 million in transportation costs.
Miranda stood out as an example of heroism and brought leadership and excellence to the mission and in turn the mission gave her purpose.
“I was able to take a look at myself and know this is where I’m supposed to be right now and this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” said Miranda.