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Security Forces Airman earns Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Erin Smith
  • 15th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  A Hickam Airman was awarded the military's eighth highest honor, the Bronze Star, during a ceremony at the C-17 Operations building Feb. 7.

"I feel very privileged to have received this medal," said Capt. Anthony McCarty during the presentation of the Bronze Star, awarded for service in combat. "However, the troops that were with me are the boots on the ground that are making the Air Force mission successful and are helping to rebuild the nation."

He earned the medal during his six months of outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations at Camp Bucca, Iraq where he ensured containment of all detainees even though his forces were often outnumbered sixty-to-one.

Though he gives credit to the Airmen working with him, they say that it is his strong sense of leadership and integrity that make him deserving of such an honor.

"He looked out for his Airmen and ensured we were all taken care of," said Staff. Sgt. Krystal Stephenson. "He is a leader who is always looking out for his troops. He tells it to you straight and makes sure you give your all. In turn, he is always giving his best back to us and to the mission."

His dedication to his Airmen is evident through the fact that he was responsible for a 186-person Quick Reaction Force at Camp Bucca Iraq, during the summer months when there was also a surge of detainees and insurgents on a daily basis.

The force was a 24/7 operation and he took time to visit both shifts, according to Sergeant Stephenson. "He encouraged and ensured we were still taking care of our families back home."

Captain McCarty's actions in country are an outstanding example of the changing roles of Airmen supporting the War on Terror. He encourages Airmen filling these roles to remain flexible and remember their core values.

"The Air Force mission is changing," said the captain. "Especially, ours as a career field. There are many challenges that will be asked of our Airmen who are filling non-traditional roles. The best advice I can give to all Airmen entering the [area of responsibility] is to remain flexible, remember the larger picture and lean heavily on your core values as they are the foundation that will allow Airmen to be successful within any mission they encounter."