425th Airman earns Bronze Star for actions 'outside the wire' Published Oct. 31, 2008 By Tanju Varlikli 425th Air Base Group Host Nation Advisor IZMIR, Turkey -- Tech Sgt. James Thompson, 425th Air Base Group Anti-terrorism Force Protection officer, was awarded the Bronze Star medal for heroic efforts during a 12-month deployment to Balad, Iraq. Col. Richard Robel, 425 ABG commander, pinned the medal on Sergeant Thompson in a ceremony held Oct. 20 at Izmir's Collocated Club. "This award is significant, as it highlights the increased responsibilities our Airmen are taking outside the wire," Colonel Robel said. "The selflessness and dedication to duty Sergeant Thompson displayed downrange, as well as his professional manner in garrison, is a credit to Air Force defenders. We're all extremely proud of him," he said. According to the medal citation, Sergeant Thompson planned and executed more than 497 unit combat patrols during his deployment and facilitated tactical responses to 477 combat incidents, including 12 improvised explosive device attacks. "I am deeply honored to have been awarded the Bronze Star," Sergeant Thompson said. "The police transition team mission in Baghdad is by far the most difficult and dangerous mission our security forces men and women are executing today," he said. During his deployment, Sergeant Thompson identified force protection shortfalls at seven Iraqi police stations and coordinated more than $2 million worth of improvement contracts which, according to Colonel Robel, greatly enhanced local station defenses and operations. Sergeant Thompson expressed gratitude for the commitments of his fellow security force members and their selfless duty as well. "I owe special thanks to all the security forces men and women I worked with, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice."