91st SW command chief receives Bronze Star Published July 11, 2007 By Senior Airman Danny Monahan Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The top enlisted Airman from the 91st Space Wing received a Bronze Star during a surprise ceremony here July 11 for his actions while serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom from May to September 2006. Although Chief Master Sgt. Mark Brejcha is honored to receive a Bronze Star, he said he found the overall experience of his deployment humbling, but very rewarding. "It's not about earning awards. It's about doing your job. It's about the Soldiers serving next to you. To receive this, is an honor because of all the people who have earned this before you," said Chief Brejcha, wearing his newly pinned decoration. "There are a lot of people who deserve this. I wear this not for myself, but for them." During his deployment, the chief's accomplishments included leading and supporting more than 800 Airmen directly engaged in U.S. Army operations and activities. While deployed, Chief Brejcha traveled thousands of miles throughout Afghanistan, being placed in harm's way more than 20 times. The chief was accompanying a ground assault convoy July 25, when an improvised explosive device detonated, destroying vehicle two of a four-vehicle convoy. Traveling in vehicle three, Chief Brejcha immediately joined the team in recovery operations, secured his sector and checked for secondary explosives and enemy combatants. For the next eight hours, he assisted armed security, provided crowd control and helped wounded people to a helicopter landing zone for extraction. Chief Brejcha's commander is also very proud of his accomplishments. ""I've been in the Air Force for 23 years and this is the first time I have pinned one on an Airman," said Col. Marty Whelan, 91st SW commander. "His leadership and willingness to enter combat go above and beyond what we expect. We always hear about leading by example and he lives it each and every day. He is a true Air Force leader." Until the ceremony, Chief Brejcha was unaware he was going to receive a Bronze Star. Shortly after a 91st SW staff meeting concluded, Colonel Whelan led Chief Brejcha to the atrium of the 91st SW headquarters, which was filled with reporters, cameramen and about 40 friends, family and coworkers to present him his Bronze Star. "I was told I was put in for this, but I had no idea this is what I was coming out here for," said Chief Brejcha. "This is a surprise and it is a pretty nice one." The chief does not know if another deployment is in store for him, but he already knows what he will say if he is tasked. "If my country asks me to serve again in a similar capacity it will be 'yes sir.'"