LRS Airman receives CAM for actions during mission

  • Published
  • By Airman David Owsianka
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  A vehicle operator at Luke Air Force Base received the Combat Action Medal Jan. 20 for an incident that took place Jan. 15, 2010, during his yearlong deployment at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Thomas O'Neal, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron, received the CAM for deliberately being outside the defended perimeter while conducting official duties and was in extreme danger during an engagement with the enemy.

"At first, I was upset when I was told I would be the only one who would receive the CAM on my team," Sergeant O'Neal said. "It's an honor to be recognized for being involved in what happened, and I am glad the other Airmen are being recognized for their actions during that mission."

Sergeant O'Neal's unit pulled security for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization weapons trucks and mentored the Afghan army during their deployment by showing them how to run convoys and anything to do with logistics.

The unit performed rock drills before each mission to prepare for what might happen. Rock drills are simulations of what to do in response to possible situations occurring during the mission.

While passing through the Zhari District, the convoy commander notified his unit that they would be passing through areas previously damaged by roadside bombs.

"The training definitely prepared me for this incident," Sergeant O'Neal said. "You get the training into your head, so it becomes second nature."

As the convoy approached a damaged section of the road, an improvised explosive device detonated on the edge of the road directly impacting the passenger side of the vehicle.

Everything he was taught during his three months of deployment training at Fort Polk, La., came into play after hitting the IED.

Sergeant O'Neal, gunner for the convoy, gave his unit protection as they continued movement to the forward rally point to inspect vehicle damage. The convoy successfully moved the vehicle approximately nine miles east to the forward operating base Wilson, at which point the convoy was repaired, and the mission was cleared to continue to the desired destination.

"I was proud of him when I found out he would receive the CAM," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Weaver, 56th LRS vehicle operations supervisor. "He is a hard worker who I can count on to get the job done; he deserves this award."