CSAF presents Dyess Airman Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A 7th Communications Squadron sergeant was presented the Bronze Star Medal here Dec. 14 by the Air Force chief of staff for his actions while deployed with coalition forces in Iraq. 

Technical Sgt. Victor Cordero, 7th CS wing information assurance administrator, received the award in front of more than 200 Airmen and family members as Gen. T. Michael Moseley spoke highly of his actions while deployed. 

"It was an absolute honor to have this award presented to me by the Air Force chief of staff," Sergeant Cordero said. "But I would not have been able to receive this if it wasn't for the support my wife gave me while I was deployed." 

The sergeant first discovered that Gen. Moseley might be giving him the medal in late October, but he knew it wasn't for certain. 

"They told me that on his visit here he might be able to present me the award, but I couldn't believe it until it happened," Sergeant Cordero said. "I still couldn't believe it until I was standing on the stage and he walked in. To have the Air Force chief of staff give this in person just demonstrates how highly the Air Force thinks of the expeditionary Airman." 

The Air Force has been in continuous combat operations for the last 17 years, so it was a great opportunity to recognize one of our Airmen for his support of the war, Gen. Moseley said. 

Sergeant Cordero said he was also very grateful for the support the 7th CS was able to give his wife and 7-year-old son while he was deployed for more than 14 months.
"Anything she needed - whether it was cutting the grass or just support - they gave," he said. "I was very grateful for what they did." 

While the Texas native was deployed he co-led emergency actions for his team in direct response to more than 250 indirect fire attacks while assessing life support at surrounding Iraqi Army camps. He also assisted in commanding more than 100 combat convoy missions crossing more than 1,000 miles throughout southern Iraq over some of the most dangerous roads in the world with zero loss of personnel and tactical equipment. 

Also during the deployment he ensured Iraqi Army recruits were equipped with weapons, equipment, and uniform items necessary to perform and sustain adequate combat operations in support of the Baghdad surge.