USAFE Members Receive Bronze Star

Maj. Gen. Mark Schissler, U.S. Air Forces in Europe director of the Plans, Programs and Analyses Directorate, presents the Bronze Star to Maj. Robert Firman, USAFE Directorate of Plans, Programs and Analyses executive officer, Feb. 14, 2011, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Major Firman was deployed as the Regional Support Command-Capital commander, NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan and Combined Security Transition Command ? Afghanistan, from Feb. 28 to Aug. 28, 2010. While filling a billet normally reserved for an Army Combat Arms colonel, Major Firman led 138 combat operations throughout Kabul Province. He developed and implemented the Kabul Security Plan, partnering with the Afghan Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior to plan and execute the fastest growth phase for the Afghan National Security Forces since its inception. The Bronze Star is awarded to a person in any branch of the military service who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces on or after Dec. 7, 1941, shall have distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. It can also be awarded for heroism while serving with friendly forces engaged in combat against an opposing military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarayuth Pinthong)