LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
An 802nd Contracting Squadron major was awarded the Bronze Star June 14 during a ceremony in the Bob Hope Theater.
Maj. Anthony Diaz was recognized for accomplishments during his 12-month deployment in 2009-2010 to a combat zone in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Major Diaz served as a contracting advisor to the Department of Border Enforcement headquarters transition team, U.S. Forces-Iraq, Baghdad.
The Bronze Star is awarded to a person in any military branch for heroic or meritorious achievement, not involving aerial flight, during military operations against an enemy.
In the narrative accompanying the award, Major Diaz was cited for his exemplary leadership and business skills that ensured the timely processing of several foreign military sales programs valued in excess of $1.2 billion.
His expertise was instrumental in providing the Iraq Assistance Group, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, and the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq with near real time situational awareness of infrastructure capability building projects in support of Iraq DBE utilizing 2009 and 2010 Iraqi security force funding.
Through exceptional planning, development and administration, Major Diaz provided detailed tracking and updating to multiple headquarters on all infrastructure projects being built by ISFF and others by the Ministry of Interior.
He also expertly assisted with the execution of a robust capacity building strategy that significantly improved infrastructure requirements for the IDBE to upgrade overall security on and near Iraqi borders.
Additionally, he contributed to the successful turnover of 14 newly constructed fuel centers, three regional vehicle maintenance facilities, two multi-million dollar regional headquarters facilities and more than 30 water wells from the U.S. Government to the Ministry of Interior.
"It was a good feeling to know as we were leaving that they (the Iraqis) were taking ownership of their mission," Major Diaz said. "They learned to look at the future, not just to buy for today. We taught them how to be self sustaining."
During the deployment, he was part of 45 convoys and more than 70 air missions. He served as a vehicle and convoy commander, driver, and gunner for several mounted combat patrols throughout Baghdad.
One trip to the Iraq-Kuwait border proved not only memorable but the Texas heat wasn't as bad as it seems.
"I told my mother-in-law when I got back it was 127 degrees on that trip to the border," Major Diaz said. "With all the equipment we had on, it was toasty."
Part of a team that included four other Airmen, 12 Soldiers, three border patrol agents, a customs agent advisor and four interpreters, Major Diaz said it was important the team returned safely.
"We took our team over there and we came back as a team," he said.