RAF MILDENHALL, England - Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc, 3rd Air Force commander (left), presents the Bronze Star Medal to Senior Master Sgt. Emilio Hernandez, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron, during an award ceremony here Feb. 10, 2012. Hernandez earned the prestigious award for his service while deployed to the 577th Prime Beef Group, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, from June 2011 to Dec. 2011. The Bronze Star is awarded to military members who distinguish themselves by demonstrating heroic or meritorious achievement or service during combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)