Fire Team Leader Citations
Technical Sergeant Wayne J. Cipolla distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Fire Team Leader, 442d Security Forces Squadron, 442d Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. During this period, while deployed to Karshi-Khanabad Air Base, Uzbekistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Sergeant Cipolla's decisive leadership in directing response forces defeated a perimeter intrusion by insurgent forces targeting combat aircraft. Additionally, his exemplary actions and reliability led to his selection as a member of the security team for the trial of deposed leader Saddam Hussein. Further, while deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, his proactive measures assisted in the apprehension of forces attempting to smuggle weapons into the International Zone. Finally, while deployed to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, he generated seven detailed SALUTE reports and conducted more than 900 hours of investigations. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Cipolla reflect credit upon himself, the 442d Security Forces Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Ralph G Cazares distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Fire Team Leader assigned to the 99th Security Support Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Airman Cazares provided immediate armed response to security threats and alarms emanating from the Department of Defense's largest above ground Protection Level 1 Weapons Storage Area. He consistently deployed in a tactical manner to make accurate visual and security assessments of the risk to Air Force Protection Level 1 resources. His rapid response to counter all threats prevented the loss of or damage to resources valued at in excess of seven hundred million dollars through detection, deterrence, and engagement of hostile forces. Additionally, his internal escort duties ensured the appropriate storage of Protection Level 1 assets which eliminated misplacement, and guaranteed zero mission delays, saving the Air Force 60,000 dollars in unnecessary repairs. Finally, Airman Cazares' outstanding professional skill and knowledge aided immeasurably in safeguarding Nellis Air Force Base. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Cazares reflect credit upon himself, the 99th Security Support Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant Shwan D. Hansen distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Fire Team Leader assigned to 434th Security Forces Squadron, 434th Mission Support Wing, Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana. During this period, Sergeant Hansen, deployed with the 332d ESFS, United States Forces-Iraq, Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. As a Quick Reaction Force Leader, he responded to numerous rocket attacks, establishing and enforcing cordons after the discovery of unexploded ordnance and securing the area until EOD could remove undetonated ordnance. Sergeant Hansen performed casualty sweeps and facilitated the evacuation of non-essential personnel in a base wide effort to protect Kirkuk Air Base personnel. Additionally, in the course of his Security Forces duties, he was dispatched to the perimeter fence line for sensor alarms and suspected perimeter breaches. He quickly identified the potential breaches, secured the area, investigated the area, and up channeled the information. Finally, as the on-scene commander for an attempted unauthorized entry at the ECP, he directed Security Forces teams and deescalated the situation. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Hansen reflect credit upon himself, the 434th Security Forces Squadron and the United States Air Force.