News

Robins sergeant receives Bronze Star for service in Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Robert Talenti
  • Robins Public Affairs Office
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Herron was presented a Bronze Star medal Oct. 31 for his actions during a recent deployment to Afghanistan.

Col Joseph H. Scherrer, 689th Combat Communications Wing commander, presented the medal at a commander's call at Robins' south training area.

Herron was deployed for seven months as the communications noncommissioned officer to the 466A Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, at a forward operating base. As the only communications member assigned, he was responsible for ensuring operational capability for the task force's dedicated counter-improvised explosive device forces.

After receiving the medal, Herron said, "I provided them with a few things that helped them out. Obviously, I'm not Superman. I couldn't get everything 100 percent but, I had my fair share of things that went right."

During his deployment, he managed 90 accounts across three computer networks ensuring the dissemination of information about emerging IED threats and enabling the targeting of IED cell networks.

He also sustained tactical communications systems for the EOD operations center and more than 20 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. His efforts ensured tactical communication for about nearly 10 EOD teams located at several FOBs during more than 600 EOD operations.

"Staff Sgt. Herron was a tremendous asset to the flight, the EOD battalion and the Task Force White Eagle Brigade," said Senior Master Sgt. David R. Larriva, 466th Operating Location Alpha EOD Flight chief. "He quickly became the go-to guy for any communications deficiencies ultimately impacting the entire Ghazni Province battle space.

"His vast technical and tactical communications expertise and his understanding of the strategic importance of information flow enabled our teams to render safe IEDs, exploit evidence, and capture or kill the enemy," Larriva added. "Our battalion commander and task force commander recognized his impact and recommended the Bronze Star Medal."

When word of Herron's Bronze Star submission got back to the 689th Combat Communications Wing, Col. Scherrer, the commander, said, "One word came to mind, and that's pride - pride in him and pride in all the Airmen who provided him with the skills and warrior ethos along the way to serve our nation at such a high level."

Col. Kevin Krause, 5th Combat Communications Group commander, said he attended a class with Herron, and wasn't surprised to hear the news.

"I attended combat readiness school with Staff Sgt. Herron in January and February, 2010," he said. "My impression then was that he was certainly a guy I'd want with me on any deployment. He was highly motivated, a hard worker, and a guy you could definitely count on to get the job done."

Maj. Aldwin Estrellado, 52nd Combat Communications Squadron commander, echoed Krause's sentiments.

"The 5 Deuce (52nd Combat Communications Squadron) is extremely proud of Staff Sgt. Herron's performance and subsequent recognition for his stellar actions in Afghanistan," he said. "I think this recognition speaks volumes about our Airmen in the 5th Combat Communications Group and the training (they receive). This is no different from his home-station performance, and I expected no less from him."

The Bronze Star is a decoration authorized by Executive Order No. 9419 on Feb. 4, 1944, and is awarded to a person in any branch of the military service who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, has distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.