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Laughlin Airman receives award while deployed

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq --  Staff Sgt. Brandon Martin, a firefighter deployed from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, with the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Aug. 30 to Sept. 5.

"We all know that being a firefighter is a tough job, but it's made even tougher in the heat of the in-theater location," said Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332nd AEW commander, who presented Sergeant Martin with the award and a commander's coin at wing headquarters Sept. 11.

A fire protection crew chief, he aided in dousing a fire engulfing a small-arms ammunition storage facility -- the largest fire on JBB during the 9/10 Air Expeditionary Force rotation.

"I get great job satisfaction from working side-by-side with the outstanding Air Force and Army firefighters currently deployed here at JBB," said Sergeant Martin, a Tishomingo, Okla., native. "Also, the (operations) tempo here is much higher, which provides a unique situation for one to gain a high level of experience generally not seen at home base." 

Sergeant Martin also provided emergency medical care to two Soldiers injured during a combatives class here. By stabilizing blood flow in one of the patients, he prevented the possible loss of an extremity.

Sergeant Martin also volunteered at JBB's largest five-kilometer race by manning water stations and monitoring traffic points for more than 1,000 participants.

"I recommend Airmen here constantly stay involved in whatever is available, both on and off duty opportunities," said the staff sergeant, who is serving his second deployment. "There are a wide range of prospects out there for you to be able to give back to your fellow Airmen and Soldiers."

Sergeant Martin was nominated by his supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Harley McCurter, 332nd ECES fire protection station chief.

"Sergeant Martin is committed to doing his job right the first time," said Sergeant McCurter. "He has continuously excelled as a leader throughout his deployment. He's really been focused on developing the Airmen serving under his guidance."

The 332nd AEW Tuskegee Airman of the Week is open to Airmen between the ranks of E-1 and E-5, and is selected based on an Airman's on- and off-duty accomplishments.