Guam Air Guard Staff Sgt. Leon Guerrero Receives Combat Action Medal

Written by By Senior Airman Audreya J.P. Taitano
Monday, 04 March 2013 08:10
Guam News – Guam News

Guam – Staff Sgt. Joshua K. Leon Guerrero of the 254th Force Support Squadron was recognized Mar. 3 at Andersen Air Force Base as a recipient of the Air Force Combat Action Medal for his valiant efforts in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

“In my career field as a services craftsman and being a Guardsman, I never thought that

I would get the chance to work with Special Forces teams, let alone fight the good fight alongside them,” said Leon Guerrero. “Receiving this award is a testament of what I went through and have done, and more importantly, what the members of the Guam Air National Guard are capable of accomplishing.”

Leon Guerrero, originally tasked to carry out food services support and to serve as a gunner for the Quick Reaction Force, took advantage of opportunities to join Special Forces Elements on their missions. While providing security at a base observation post, his warfare readiness skills were immediately engaged when his post came under direct enemy fire.

Staff Sgt. Joshua K. Leon Guerrero of the 254th Force Support Squadron is joined by his family as he is officially awarded the Air Force Combat Action Medal Mar. 3 at Andersen Air Force Base from The Adjutant General of the Guam National Guard MAJ GEN Benny Paulino.

Leon Guerrero deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Southwest Asia Region and engaged his warfare readiness skills when his observation post came under direct enemy fire. (Guam Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Audreya J.P. Taitano]

“This is the first of this type of medal to be awarded in the Guam Air National Guard. It validates our relevancy of the organization and how important our Airmen are to the fight,” said Col. Johnny Lizama, commander of the 254th Air Base Group.

He calls Leon Guerrero an outstanding NCO and a true role model for other Airmen in that he serves as a classic illustration for a member from a mission support function and in the fight.

“Our Airmen constantly train, from our most senior officers to our most junior Airmen,” said Lizama.

Leon Guerrero credits his greatest lesson as having to be ready for anything regardless of your occupation in the military.

“In the world we live in today, the war as well as the enemy are always evolving, and as a member of the United States Armed Forces, we must be able to evolve so that we can rise to the occasion,” said Leon Guerrero.

The Air Force Combat Action Medal is bestowed upon those who have had active participation in combat, having been under direct fire and hostile fire, or physically engaging hostile forces with direct and lethal fire in connection with military operations.

==========================
Congratulations
Guam Air Guard Staff Sgt. Leon Guerrero

Guam and America is very proud of you.

Peter

/SB

Usually like Al, they are so quick to get into your face with their anger. The kind that would attack anyone who appears weaker and claim “you made me do it.”

Thank you for all you do for America; As you go and serve your country and I know you make Guam proud and more to the point you make America proud!

For you Guam National Guard, not only serve the people of Guam when the governor gives the call,but also you stand ready to take orders from the President of the United States a President you can’t even vote for!

So, that makes you a true patriot and a true citizen soldier in ever since of the word. Stay safe and look out for each other over there…..Yu’os na Bendisi hao para siempre! We shall keep you in our prayers.