Technical Sergeant Warren Williams and Staff Sergeant Joshua Andrews were awarded the Bronze Star for their service in Iraq.  Staff Sergeants George Earhart and James Spreter were given the same award for their service in Afghanistan.

 

In addition, Sergeant Andrews received his bronze star with valor. The Air Force citation states that during an operation in Iraq, Andrews requested and controlled more than 30 aircraft to help defend his unit which was under attack. Andrews was wounded in the firefight, but still helped evacuate two wounded soldiers.

 

“You can’t train for an exact situation like that,”  said Williams, as he looked at the medal clipped onto his uniform. “You train for circumstances so that when something happens, you have a base to fall back on. Then you think on your feet and apply what you’ve been taught.”

 

All of the sergeants earned the awards on their third and fourth tours in the warzones.  All of them said while grateful for the honor, they were just doing their jobs.

 

“The medal is great. It’s a way for the higher ups to show they appreciate what you did,” said Spreter. “But the real thanks comes when you know the guys you work with, and live with, and sleep in a hold with, come back alive.”