Air Force stars: Civil engineers earn honors

Published May 3, 2012
By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Three reservists from the 442nd Civil Engineer Squadron were awarded the Bronze Star medal, April 14, for their service while deployed.

Those who received the award were: Lt. Col. Mark Davison, 442nd CES commander; Chief Master Sgt. Cody Ellet, 442nd CES manager; and Senior Master Sgt. Dean Larson, 442nd CES superintendent.

The Bronze Star, established Feb. 4, 1944, is awarded when a military member stands out for heroic or meritorious acts while participating in military operations against an armed enemy. It is typically awarded to senior non-commissioned officers, warrant officers, and commissioned officers.

Ellet, Davison and Larson led approximately 144 reservists, National Guardsmen and active-duty Airmen in supporting U.S. Army forward operating bases and combat outposts throughout Afghanistan. The unit performed inspections, trained Afghan nationals, constructed tent cities and went on convoys, all in direct support of U. S. combat operations.

Davison, who is scheduled to retire May 5, said he was proud to recieve the award.

"I feel humbled and honored to have earned this award," Davison said. "Heading into a wartime environment and providing these services was the pinnacle of my career; being able to take years of experience in leadership and civil engineering and apply it in a six month, outside-the-wire deployment, that is the perfect capstone," Davison said.

Ellet, who will also be retiring in a few months, after almost 27 years in the Air Force Reserve, said he has the CES Airmen to thank for his medal.

"This medal represents all of the Airmen I am privileged to manage and all of their hard work," he said. "It is the crowning achievement at the end of my career."