Reservist receives Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Susan Stout
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  A reservist with the 944th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight was awarded the Bronze Star March 6 for his accomplishments during a deployment to Afghanistan.

Tech. Sgt. Andrew LeBeau was presented the award during commander's call by Col. Michael Popovich, 944th Fighter Wing commander.

Sergeant LeBeau earned his award while deployed with the 755th Air Expeditionary Group Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, Combined Joint Task Force Paladin from May 9, 2009 to Nov. 3, 2009.

"It is a great honor to be awarded the Bronze Star," Sergeant LeBeau said. "I felt like I was able to do a lot of good things in Afghanistan and it was great to know people recognized the work I did."

As EOD team leader, Sergeant LeBeau was instrumental in the safe resolution of more than 110 emergency response missions including 46 improvised explosive device incidents and 11 weapons caches and unexploded ordnance emergencies.

He led his team on five named operations in support of U.S. Special Operations Forces directly resulting in the capture or kill of key IED facilitators and Taliban sub-commanders.

In addition, Sergeant LeBeau was responsible for safely removing an unexploded rocket from the entrance of an Afghanistan girl's school. Taliban forces had attacked the school with a rocket-propelled grenade but it failed to detonate and lodged itself under the door handle. Sergeant LeBeau immediately assessed the situation and although an explosive counter-charge to destroy the rocket was the least risk to him, doing so would have a lasting negative impact on the local residents.

At significant personal risk, he approached the UXO and carefully removed the rocket to a safe area for disposal, allowing the children to safely return to the school. Upon completion of the mission, his vehicle was ambushed twice in coordinated attacks. He directed his gunner to return fire causing the enemy to break contact. His decisive actions and leadership had a strategic impact on the coalition's efforts in Afghanistan.
Sergeant LeBeau credits his coworkers and family for enabling him to do his job.

"I'd like to recognize Staff Sergeant Brandall Selestewa," he said. "He was my team member throughout the deployment. He kept me safe. I'd also like to thank my family for supporting me and my team while we were gone."

Authorized Feb. 4, 1944, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members of all branches of military service for combat heroism or meritorious service.