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91st SSPTS Airman receives bronze star

By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs / Published December 15, 2009

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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- It was just like any other day in the missile wing; however, this day brought a special guest. The Rough Riders' commander, the newly stated three-star general placed in charge of all nuclear capable wings in the Air Force, visited with his troops and presented a bronze star.

The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award (including both combat and non-combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations, officials said.

Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, pinned the medal on the uniform of Senior Airman Gary Conlee, a 91st Security Support Squadron travel control center control technician, during an all-call Dec. 2 here.

"This makes me feel really great," Airman Conlee said. "I am one of only two others on this base to have received this prestigious award recently."

Airman Conlee received the award for exemplary service while deployed with the 855th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. This was his first deployment after serving eight years with Team Minot.

"I never really cared about deploying," said Airman Conlee. "That is until I went out on this deployment."

The convoy technician's main focus was working hand-in-hand with the Afghanistan National Army.

"We would take them down range in our convoys," he said. "Our mission was to protect our unit's resources, such as: .50-caliber Browning machine guns, M-16 rifles or AK-47 assault rifles. We are the trained experts when it comes to a successful convoy mission."

Airman Conlee showed his valor as a "guardian of freedom and justice." To him, he said he was proud to be a part of something bigger than life.

"I'm very proud for all the time and sacrifice he went through," said Staff Sgt. Christopher David, 91st SSPTS transportation control center noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "He has been just outstanding."

Sergeant David has been Airman Conlee's friend, mentor and supervisor since they were assigned to the base more than eight years ago.

"He has grown up over the years," Sergeant David said. "Seeing something new over there really helped him mature as an Airman and as a future NCO."

Airman Conlee has been selected to pin on the rank of Staff Sgt. next year.

The soon to be NCO was on a 365-day non-volunteer deployment. He had three months of combat skills training and 12 months duty on-the-ground in the area of responsibility.

The dedicated service of the 28 year old Chicago, Ill. native distinguished himself as a Minot hero.

He said his wife Nancy was extremely happy for him and his father, Gary, extended an arm of congratulations. He may have been nervous and anxious on stage with the general, but the Minot Airman showed professionalism and deliberation while in full view of his peers.

"Overall, this was very exciting," he said. "I am looking forward to continuing my support of the 91st Missile Wing's strategic mission."
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