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Nine Grissom Airmen awarded medals

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  For their meritorious service in the Air Force, nine Grissom Airmen were recently awarded medals.

Meritorious Service Medal

Six 434th Air Refueling Wing Airmen were recently presented with Meritorious Service Medals. President Lyndon Johnson established the MSM by Executive Order 11448 on Jan. 16, 1969, as the counterpart of the Bronze Star Medal for the recognition of meritorious noncombatant service. Those who received MSMs are listed below:

- Maj. Ulric A. Adams, Jr., 434th Communications Squadron
- Maj. James Benvenuto, 434th Security Forces Squadron
- Maj. John J. Valdes III, 434th Maintenance Group
- Master Sgt. Jeffrey Engel, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron
- Tech. Sgt. Jeremie Cutter, 434th CES
- Tech. Sgt. Bobby Smith, 434th Maintenance Squadron

Air Force Commendation Medal

Tech. Sgt. Nathan Salvagni, 434th SFS was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. This medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on March 28, 1958, for award to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement and service.

Air Force Achievement Medal

Two Grissom noncommissioned officers were awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal. This medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on Oct. 20, 1980, and is awarded to Air Force personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of the Air Force. Below are those who received achievement medals:

- Staff Sgt. Erich D. Maul, 72nd Air Refueling Squadron
- Staff Sgt. Timothy Sommers, 434th SFS

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. 434th ARW Airmen and aircraft routinely deploy in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer