Kirtland Airman, commander awarded Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Capt. Christopher Moore
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Capt. Joseph McHugh from Kirtland AFB was awarded a Bronze Star for his duty with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's 70th Medium Truck Detachment with 11 other Airmen.

"I'm thrilled to see 12 of our very finest Airmen be awarded the Bronze Star. Their performance, professionalism and bravery has been truly exceptional. Their contributions in providing critically-needed supplies and equipment played a vital role in supporting every Airmen, Soldier, Sailor and Marine operating in Iraq," said Lt. Col. Kevin Sampels, 586th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron commander. "The entire 70th Medium Truck Detachment performed at a consistently superior level during their tour and I couldn't be more proud of every one of our Airmen."

The narrative recommendation for award of the Bronze Star medal to Captain McHugh says:

"For exceptionally meritorious service as commander of the 70th Medium Truck Detachment while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom June 2008 from May 21 to Dec. 5, Captain McHugh displayed exceptional leadership, outstanding dedication, and devotion to the success of the 70th MTD and the 160 Airmen in his charge."

"As the detachment commander and inspiring leader of the Scorpions, he developed a diverse group of 160 Airmen from eight different Air Force specialty codes and numerous bases, leading them through four pre-deployment training stations and molding them into a cohesive and motivated transportation unit."

"Captain McHugh commanded the 70th MTD 'Scorpions' proudy and displayed unsurpassed devotion to not only his detachment members but to the entire Joint Logistics Task Force 1144."

"His outstanding leadership, integrity and drive to guarantee mission success led to the 70th Medium Truck Detachment's outstanding performance within the Theater Transportation Plan."

"His actions led to the 70th MTD completing over 90 missions into Iraq on the most dangerous roads in the world. The 70th MTD drove nearly 5 million miles and directly supported the entire Iraq area of responsibility while they were on the ground on a shortened tour of only 180 days."