Three combat Airmen recognized

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rob Hazelett
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (ACCNS) --  Three Team Whiteman members earned Bronze Star medals for displaying exceptionally meritorious service while deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. 

Brig. Gen. Greg Biscone, 509th Bomb Wing commander, presented the Bronze Star to Capt. Adam Minnich and Tech. Sgt. Richard Barker, both from the 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron, and to Tech. Sgt. Michael Shumate, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron. 

The medal is awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in or with the military of the United States after Dec. 6, 1941, distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

A life-long impact 
Captain Minnich, who served as a supply chain management flight commander, was directly responsible for procuring critical supplies, equipment and services valued in excess of $85 million. While deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he also led the development of Afghanistan's first $3-million fuel distribution plan and system. 

"I am honored and humbled to have earned the Bronze Star Medal during my deployment, but getting the mission done over there was definitely a team effort," said the Air Force veteran of more than 19 years, 13 of which he served as an enlisted member. 

Captain Minnich said he appreciated the support of family members who came from across the country and the LRS family there to witness the ceremony. He also reflected on the friendships he made during his six-month deployment. 

"I will cherish the camaraderie my team developed, and the lifelong friendships that resulted," he said. 

Captain Minnich added he will remember the positive impact he had on the security and stability of Afghanistan. "It's a good feeling to actually see some of the results of the work I was doing over there, knowing that my actions saved lives." 

A heartfelt reunion 
Sergeant Barker served as a convoy commander with the 70th Medium Truck Detachment from April to December 2006. While deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he displayed unwavering resolve and professionalism while commanding 18 combat convoy missions and amassing 28,000 combined miles in a dangerous and unpredictable environment. 

The 15-year Air Force veteran said earning the award was a humbling experience, however he pointed out that several other personnel in the detachment were just as worthy of the achievement. 

In addition, Sergeant Barker recalled the close friendships he made during his deployment. "This was my second deployment doing convoys, and it was like a big reunion for most of us," he added. "I don't enjoy being away from my family, but I do look forward to reuniting with old friends." 

He also took time to recognize Team Whiteman for attending the ceremony. 

"I've never been one for big ceremonies, but I think it is important that the rest of the base sees and hears what their fellow Airmen are experiencing on these deployments," he said. "The image of the deployed Airman is changing daily and you never know when you may be called upon tomorrow to serve your country and where you may be asked to serve." 

Sergeant Barker said he will remember his family being there for him and the men and women on the convoys who did their duties without fear or hesitation. 

Contributions remembered 
Sergeant Shumate, who served as the weapons intelligence team leader while deployed to Iraq, was recognized for exceptionally meritorious service during Operation Iraqi Freedom from Aug. 5, 2006  to Jan. 31, 2007. 

His outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the command's mission, according to his citation. 

The NCO in charge of the explosive ordnance disposal flight said he will never forget his experiences in Iraq, especially the friendships he made and the sacrifices by those with whom he's worked. 

"I'll always remember my fallen brethren and my teammates," he said. "The team I had was definitely the best - without them, I know that my job would have been a nightmare. 

"We were there for each other through some very difficult times, and I just want to say 'thank you' one more time to those guys," he added. 

The 18-year Air Force veteran said he was appreciative of the Bronze Star award ceremony and will always remember the presentation. 

"It was great to have so many commanders, fellow squadron members and most importantly my wife there," Sergeant Shumate said.