9th Bomb Squadron commander receives Bronze Star Medal

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Bomb Wing commander presented the Bronze Star Medal to the 9th Bomb Squadron commander during a ceremony here May 12.

Col. Michael Bob Starr awarded the medal to Lt. Col. Jose Sumangil for his meritorious achievement while commanding the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron during the squadron's deployment from July 2013 to January 2014.

During his squadron's deployment, the 9th BS executed more than 540 combat missions in support of coalition and Afghan ground forces during Operation Enduring Freedom. While the medal was presented to him for his leadership, Sumangil was quick to point out the medal really belonged to the squadron for his Airmen's hard work.

"This is just as much about the squadron and the team of Airmen who went on this deployment," Sumangil said. "There was an incredible amount of work that went behind every single sortie. This award wouldn't be possible without the effort the Airmen in the 9th BS and 7th Maintenance Group put into their deployment. While it may seem easy - just fly a certain amount of sorties per day - it really takes a lot of work to get the jets ready or for the aircrew to get up there and fly those aircraft."

The 9th's commander also said he was impressed by the ability of the Airmen from Dyess to get the job done right each and every time for such an important mission during the deployment.

"Throughout each day for six months, we were out there slogging away in 120 degree weather sometimes, working on engines in extreme heat to make sure we had combat air power over Afghanistan," Sumangil said. "That's what we are here for; to make sure the troops on the ground come home safely."

U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, who was also in attendance, said it was his honor to represent Dyess in Congress and to be here when those Airmen are honored for what they accomplished while protecting freedom.

"We are all very proud of you and your team's accomplishments," Neugebauer said. "While I know you are accepting the medal, I know that you are really accepting this on behalf of your squadron."

Sumangil said he was just as proud, if not more, of his team efforts and told his squadron before the medal presentation to walk around the squadron showing their pride because this represents them as well.

"I'm happy Congressman Neugebauer was here, because I wanted him to see the people who accomplished this mission," Sumangil said. "This is really what the medal represents. It's the sacrifices that not only our Airmen who are out there for six months, but also those spouses and the children as well."

During the six-month deployment, the squadron achieved a number of firsts including the first ever B-1B Lancer Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition strike against a moving motorcycle and made the combat debut of the B-1's Sniper-Sensor Enhancement targeting pod. The squadron was also instrumental in five high priority dynamic target strikes, the destruction of a key insurgent weapons cache and an improvised explosive device minefield.

"I can't be any more proud to be a part of this squadron," Sumangil said. "This is a representation of the 9th Bomb Squadron and the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Unit."