TOP STORY >> Security Forces Squadron member receives Bronze Star

By Airman 1st Class Nathan Allen
314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

A member of the 314th Security Forces Squadron was recognized for his efforts during a recent deployment to Iraq.

Master Sgt. Mark Evans was presented the Bronze Star by Maj. Christopher Ford, 314th Security Forces Squadron commander, for his achievements while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

While stationed in Iraq, Sergeant Evans played a key leadership role with the protection of the largest theater internment facility in the Department of Defense with more than 14,000 detainees and a logistical support area housing more than 3,000 Coalition Forces, according to the citation.

“Mark always sought out chances to lead,” said retired Chief Master Sergeant Keith Morris, former 314th Security Forces Squadron superintendent. “Whenever there was a vacancy, Mark was the one who was gone to to fill the void. He stepped in and filled big shoes on more than one occasion to keep the security on this base solid.”

Sergeant Evans’ affinity for leadership opportunities did not stop while in Iraq. His daily responsibilities included tracking the movements of 116 forces daily as they carried out missions. His leadership and preparedness were immediately made known when shortly after arriving at in country, mortar and rocket attacks were initiated by insurgents on three separate occasions. Sergeant Evans directed defensive forces to various covered positions around the base which providing 360 degree security to identify and neutralize the attacking insurgents.

Deployed supervisors said the mission succeeded because of him, and they couldn’t imagine the mission being successful without his leadership there.

As squad leader for area security operations, Evans was also responsible for a large tactical and defensive footprint “outside the wire,” according to the citation. In three months time, he led 117 combat patrols on more than 5,000 miles of Iraqi roadways conducting mounted, dismounted and presence patrols, improvised explosive device and wire sweeps, personnel security details, listening and observation posts, and vehicle checkpoint operations into and out of Iraq. In addition, he conducted 40 counter-improvised explosive device sweeps along the main and alternate supply routes helping to secure 253 coalition convoys carrying more than 1,000 personnel and 2,000 vehicles delivering food, water, fuel, ammunition and other critical items. “He’s easily the hottest burning NCO in the wing, and clearly is headed for great things,” added Chief Morris. “If I had some chief stripes, I’d put them on Mark right now.”

The Bronze Star medal, authorized by Executive Order No. 9419 Feb. 4, 1944, is awarded to a person in any branch of the military service who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States 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.