Nellis EOD Airmen honored for actions while deployed Published Sept. 19, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Ryan Whitney Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Nellis Air Force Base honored six of its explosive ordinance disposal Airmen with Bronze Star Medals and three Army Commendation Medals for their actions while deployed in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the explosive ordnance disposal flight building equipment bay. "These Airmen are the ones who are in the heart of the fight against a ruthless and cunning enemy, and the duty these Airmen perform, our counter improvised explosive device initiative, is crucial to America's success in the Global War on Terror," said Col. Michael Bartley, 99th Air Base Wing commander. Staff Sergeants Jeremiah Grisham, Dustin Heines and David Lantz received the Bronze Star Medal. The Bronze Star Medal was established Feb. 4, 1944, and is awarded to individuals who, while serving in the United States Armed Forces in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while engaged in ground combat against an enemy of the United States. The three Airman successfully completed more than 300 missions, rendered safe and destroyed more than 140 IED's, and 100,000 pieces of ordinance, according to the medal citations. Three other EOD Airmen, Staff Sergeants Angela Olguin and Justin Lordy, and Senior Airman Jason Howes, were presented the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service during their participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the U.S. who, while serving with or attached to the Army after Dec. 6, 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.
