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 Shawn 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.

Senior Airman Shawn C. Holmes distinguished himself by an act of courage on 17 January 2010, while serving as a Fire Team member deployed to the 506th Expedtionary Security Forces Squadron, 506th Air Expeditionary Group, Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq. On this date, upon assuming his post at a security tower adjacent to the perimeter fence line, Airman Holmes came under direct sniper fire from nearby off-base building structures. He swiftly took cover and moved two fellow Security Forces Airmen and himself to safety while immediately upchanneling a SALUTE report with azimuth information. His rapid response saved the lives of his peers, stopped and prevented further attacks, and led to the discovery of a weapons cache and his recognition as 506th Air Expeditionary Group "Warrior of the Week". By his prompt action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Airman Holmes reflected credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Technical Sergeant Robert S. Johnson distinguished himself by meritorious service as Fire Team Leader, 710th Security Forces Squadron, 310th Mission Support Group, 310th Space Wing, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado from 20 August 2008 to 12 June 2011. During this period, the decisive leadership, professional skill, and ceaseless efforts of Sergeant Johnson proved invaluable to the development and operational readiness of the newly formed squadron as it prepared to fulfill its force protection and air base defense missions. In addition, he provided critical support to the 90th Ground Combat Training Squadron instructor cadre during the Advanced Expeditionary Skills Course at the U.S. Air Force Space Command Regional Training Center, Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. His expertise contributed to improving the combat readiness of over 120 Security Forces personnel preparing for deployment in support of United States national security objectives Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Furthermore, Sergeant Johnson voluntarily took on additional combat arms training duties to ensure over 30 unit personnel were prepared to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Lastly, he demonstrated superior teamwork, leadership, and outstanding academic achievement while attending the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Academy, resulting in recognition as Distinguished Graduate and recipient of the Louis H. Fisher Award, the highest honor bestowed on Security Forces Academy graduates. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Johnson culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Senior Airman Derrick P Carter distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Fire Team member, 934th Security Forces Squadron, 934th Airlift Wing, Minneapolis-Saint Paul IAP, Air Reserve Station, Minnesota. During this period, while deployed to Kirkuk Iraq, and in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Airman Carter successfully executed air base defense patrols, aggressive defense measures, and armed mobile responses, contributing significantly to the safety and security of over nine thousand personnel deployed to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq. Additionally, as security overwatch for Secretary of Defense Gates tour of the Forward Operating Base, he contributed significantly to the tour's safety and security, ensuring an incident free event. Further, While at Patriot Defender, Airman Carter exhibited his thorough knowledge of the 240B automatic machine gun and its principles of operation during the field expedient class he taught on the subject matter. Finally, during inter-service training conducted at the 934th Security Forces Squadron, Airman Carter again demonstrated his job skill knowledge by successfully training Marines from MWSS-471 on the principles of conducting a felony stop. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Carter reflect credit upon himself, the 934th Security Forces Squadron, and the United States Air Force.