Nellis Airman receives Bronze Star for support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Published Oct. 16, 2008 By 2nd Lt. Jen Richard Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A Nellis Airman received a Bronze Star Medal here Oct. 9 for meritorious service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Master Sgt. Darrin Goetchius, currently a 763rd Maintenance Squadron production superintendent, served in Iraq from May 2007-2008. Sergeant Goetchius distinguished himself as a Mi-17, UH-1HP and Bell Jet Ranger Combat Aviation Advisor with the Coalition Air Force Training Team, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq in Taji, Iraq, training numerous Iraqi maintainers, according to his Bronze Star Award citation. Lt. Col. Richard Donnelly, 563rd Rescue Group Operating Location Alpha deputy commander, presided over the ceremony. "Sergeant Goetchius' efforts in Iraq were very significant to the overall war effort. He laid the groundwork for a capable Iraqi Air Force, which is a huge part of our victory there," said Colonel Donnelly. As part of the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, Sergeant Goetchius advised and instructed Iraqi maintainers and aircrews, enabling three Iraqi squadrons to complete more than 2,500 sorties and move more than 140,000 pounds of cargo by Iraqi aircraft. "Sergeant Goetchius not only showed the [Iraqis] how to maintain their aircraft, he demonstrated the superior core values that make our senior non-commissioned officer corps the best in the world," said Colonel Donnelly. The sergeant recognized several problems in the Iraqi Air Force and worked to fix them. For example, Sergeant Goetchius identified more than 50 discrepancies with the UH-1 baseline weight and balance date and worked to correct the problems, ensuring Iraqi and Coalition aircraft were safe to fly. He identified potential mission impact gaps in the Mi-17 contractor support and researched Mi-17 inspection tools and parts needed for hourly inspections, allowing for 25 inspections to take place, according to the medal citation. Sergeant Goetchius also led an Iraqi team through a comprehensive repair of a Bell Jet Ranger grounded for more than two years, enabling Iraqi Squadron 12 to attain a 100 percent Fully Mission Capable Rate for the first time and earning Sergeant Goetchius an Iraqi Meritorious Service Award. "I was extremely surprised to be awarded the Bronze Star," said Sergeant Goetchius. "It was a huge honor and I am truly humbled. I feel that in years to come, my work in Iraq with my Iraqi friends and counterparts will have played a role in rebuilding their country." Colonel Donnelly first met Sergeant Goetchius here in 1993, when he was a captain and Sergeant Goetchius was a helicopter crew chief. "It was an honor to preside over this ceremony for a decorated rescue warrior," said Colonel Donnelly. "Master Sergeant Goetchius and his family can be rightfully proud of his achievements."
