Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- Two noncommissioned officers stationed at Kirtland AFB received Bronze Star Medals in a ceremony July 16 at the Mountain View Club.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher J. Jackson and Staff Sgt. Jordan Bishopp, both assigned to the 377th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, were recognized for accomplishments during recent deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Col. Robert L. Maness, 377th Air Base Wing commander, was the presiding official.

A former EOD specialist, Colonel Maness said, "Although I wear aviator wings on my chest, the badge closest to my heart is the one these two men wear - the EOD badge."

Sgt. Jackson received the Bronze Star Medal, first oak leaf cluster, for exceptionally meritorious service in a combat zone while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader, 755th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight-Operating Location Alpha, 192nd Ordnance Battalion, Combined Joint Task Force Paladin, United States Forces-Afghanistan, 12 October 12, 2009 to April 12, 2010.

Sgt. Jordan Bishopp received the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in a combat zone while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader, 755th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight-Operating Location Alpha, 192nd Ordnance Battalion, Combined Joint Task Force Paladin, United States Forces-Afghanistan, October 12, 2009 to April 12, 2010.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy; or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.