Dyess Airman awarded Bronze Star Medal

  • Published
  • By Airman Charles V. Rivezzo
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Todd Duquette, 7th Security Forces Squadron flight chief, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Medal from Lt. Gen. Loren M. Reno, deputy chief of staff for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, during a ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 2.

Duquette distinguished himself with exceptionally meritorious service and performance as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Police Training Assistance Team while assigned to the Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from October 2008 through July 2009.

He served as the point man for several security and police training initiatives that were prominent in preparing Afghan National Security Forces to protect a provincial population of more than 35,000 citizens.

Additionally, Duquette partnered with the Army's Police Mentor Team to mentor the Afghan National Police in their endeavor to administer the government's new Afghan Public Protection Force program. This three-week training program produced approximately 750 defenders prepared to protect their districts from insurgency.

"I'm honored for the opportunity I was given," Duquette said. "To be able to have a direct impact on the safety and security of the local populous was a very humbling experience for me."

Furthermore, Duquette served as a truck commander during more than 190 combat patrols through some of the most dangerous terrain in Afghanistan.

During two insurgent attacks, Duquette effectively returned fire, which helped end the enemy barrage.

"I was faced with split-second decisions responding to small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenade attacks," he said. "I scanned the area where the small arms fire originated and gained positive identification of the enemy insurgents firing, I then opened fire on their position. The situation was neutralized with the firefight lasting 15 to 20 minutes."

During his time spent in Afghanistan, Duquette's primary objective was to help win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people. His opportunity to have an impact on the lives of the Afghan people continues to be a rewarding experience that will last him a lifetime.

"The most rewarding outcome I received from my time spent in Afghanistan was going from village to village with the ANP," he said. "Being able to make contact with each and every village elder in the district, to put a face with their protectors, to let them know they have rights and representation and that people do care and want to make a change for the better, there is no greater feeling than that."