Four Thunderbolts bring home Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Hummel
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Four Airmen from Luke have been awarded the Bronze Star for their accomplishments during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander, awarded the medals during his commander's calls Jan. 28 - Feb. 1. 

Maj. Aaron Hopper, 61st Fighter Squadron flight commander; Capt. Michael Oldham, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management flight chief; Master Sgt. John Bilczewski, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron egress systems superintendent; and Master Sgt. David Howe, 309th Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant weapons section chief; were awarded the medal. 

Major Hopper earned his award while serving as operations officer, Coalition Air Force Transition Team, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq from August 2006 through August 2007. 

Major Hopper presided over flying operations for an organization with 31 Coalition aircrew advising six Iraqi air force squadrons, 185 Iraqi aircrew and 46 Iraqi aircraft. During his tenure, Iraqi air force sorties increased 139 percent from the previous year. Major Hopper also flew combat surveillance missions over Baghdad, teaching techniques for target planning to Coalition advisors and Iraqi pilots. After having his medal pinned on, Major Hopper praised his brothers and sisters in arms. 

"I can summarize how I feel in one word - humbled," he said. "The year I spent in Iraq was the most rewarding of the more than 10 years I've served in the Air Force. But the work I did would not have been possible without the thousands of Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen who risk their lives every day on patrols and convoys in order to provide security and logistics. Those folks are real heroes. I am grateful to have served alongside them." 

Captain Oldham served as senior advisor, Garrison Support Unit, Coalition Military Assistance Training Team, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, Habbanijah, Iraq, from October 2006 through October 2007. 

Captain Oldham used his leadership proficiency in assembling a $534,000 dining facility equipment contract to upgrade three Iraqi army dining facilities. His responsibilities also included arranging convoys every two weeks to escort generator technicians to perform maintenance. During one such mission, his convoy was attacked with an improvised explosive device. His quick reaction resulted in no one receiving injuries and the mission continued forward without further incident. 

Captain Oldham also thanked his comrades. 

"I would just like to thank my Air Force counterpart Tech. Sgt. Stewart Herringshaw and the other 20 U.S. soldiers and marines I camped with. Without them nothing of what we accomplished would have been possible." 

Sergeant Bilczewski served as superintendent and senior interrogator, Interrogation Control Element, Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center, Task Force 134, Multi-National Force-Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq. 

Sergeant Bilczewski oversaw an unprecedented 22,115 interrogations which produced 3,000 intelligence information reports. His leadership proved essential in providing critical intelligence to combat commanders and national policy makers. After receiving his medal, Sergeant Bilczewski was still emboldened. 

"I am truly humbled to receive this award, he said. "It was an honor and a privilege to be the superintendent for men and women from all the services I worked with." 

Sergeant Howe was day shift NCO in charge, Interrogation Control Element, Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center, Task Force 134, Multi-National Force-Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq. 

While deployed, Sergeant Howe's leadership was instrumental in improving interrogation operations and intelligence support to the warfighter. The intelligence he provided enabled coalition forces to efficiently conduct combat operations. His actions had a positive impact on the safety, stability and security of Iraq. 

Authorized on Feb. 4, 1944, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members of all branches of military service for combat heroism or meritorious service.