Vehicle ops supervisor earns Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lauren Hasinger
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  An NCO with the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron received the Bronze Star medal Nov. 21 for meritorious service while deployed to Iraq.

From July 2005 to February 2006, Tech. Sgt. Jason Cook served as a convoy commander based out of Logistical Support Area Anaconda just outside of Balad, Iraq.

On a day-to-day basis, he supervised a squadron of 17 Airmen. When they went on convoy missions through Iraq, those 17 multiplied to roughly 70 people -- a 30-vehicle convoy. While there, Sergeant Cook and his team went on 100 missions (at least every other day). Their days lasted 16 to 18 hours.

"Some missions began and ended the same day," Sergeant Cook said. "Some missions, if we were going to Kuwait, could take up to six days."

The roads in Iraq are known as the most dangerous in the world. Attacks were common for Sergeant Cook's convoys.

"Whether it was small arms fire -- AK 47s -- or improvised explosive devices, we were always on the look out," he said.

His convoys came under attack at least 10 times. No one was injured during his convoys.

"We got shot at, and we shot back," said Sergeant Cook. "People don't understand that vehicle operators now are in a combat role."

"I'm not surprised that Tech. Sgt. Cook was given this honor. He was highly deserving of the Bronze Star medal for his extraordinary leadership displayed during some very, very difficult circumstances," said Maj. Paul Pidgeon, 90th LRS commander.

Sergeant Cook said the most rewarding part of his time in Iraq was the moment he left Anaconda -- knowing he didn't lose anyone.

Though Sergeant Cook is humble about his new medal, he said his 14-year-old son is proud of him.

"We were apart from each other for over a year. That was the hardest thing," Sergeant Cook said.

For now, the 16-year veteran is looking forward to eventually retiring from the Air Force as a successful NCO. He wants to pass along what he's learned to the younger Airmen who haven't been deployed because, he said, they're definitely going to.

"We're very fortunate to have Jason in the LRS because of the genuine care and concern he displays for his troops. The Mighty Ninety's vehicle operators are the best around, and that's in large part due to Tech. Sgt. Cook. He cares a great deal about his troops -- he's tough on them when he needs to be -- but their welfare is always on his mind," said Major Pidgeon said.

For the first time since Sergeant Cook came to the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron in July 2004, no one from the vehicle operations section is currently deployed. Ten recently returned, and no deployment taskings have been reported -- yet.

"Running convoys in Iraq is a tough job, but he really stuck his neck out for his troops and made everyone back home extremely proud of him," Major Pidgeon said. "He's a great American."