Incirlik Airman receives AFCAM

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  An Airman from the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight recently received the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

Senior Airman Nicholas Karpenko, 39th CES EOD journeyman, was awarded the AFCAM Jan. 13 for his combat actions while assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron during a six-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2009.

During a mission to clear Iraqi roadways of improvised explosive devices, Airman Karpenko and his convoy were attacked by insurgents.

"While actively clearing a roadway, the convoy that I was traveling with was attacked with small arms fire by insurgent forces, and in response we collectively pursued the enemy and neutralized the threat," he said. "The Army Infantrymen I served with were outstanding to work with and professionals by every measure."

As an EOD journeyman, Airman Karpenko's basic duty is to render safe all ordnance or IEDs. During his deployment he was responsible for providing Quick Response Force support and Route Clearance Patrol support. In addition, he helped train Iraqi EOD troops.

"It's an honor to receive the medal. I am humbled by it, because each time I wear it, I remember not only my fellow combat Airmen, but the soldiers, sailors and marines of the joint-service EOD-career field that put their lives on the line each day to protect people around the globe from the threats of explosives devices," said Airman Karpenko. "The medal serves as a reminder of all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and inspires me to constantly improve my skills so that I may help carry on their legacy through my work."

Col. Scott Enold the 39th Mission Support Group commander, had the chance to award the Airman the medal.

"I've had the opportunity to work closely with the explosive ordnance disposal community and it was a humbling experience to stand on stage with Airman Karpenko and pin the Air Force Combat Action Medal on him," said Colonel Enold. "Airman Karpenko represents many before him and many that will follow in his footsteps."

Created March 15, 2007, the AFCAM may be awarded to Airmen that have been involved in direct fighting situations where they risked their lives in an enemy engagement. The medal was created to recognize Air Force members who were engaged in air or ground combat off base in a combat zone.

The medal is designed to evoke Air Force heritage, scarlet with diagonal yellow stripes - adapted from the art insignia on the aircraft of Gen. Billy Mitchell, who coordinated the first air-to-ground offensive in history. Further, the AFCAM features an eagle grasping arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, the arrows reflecting preparedness for war while the olive branch represents a goal of peace, according to official Air Force wear guidance.