Bronze Star recipient

***image1***Technical Sgt. Lorenzo Zapata, convoy commander of 70th Medium Truck Detachment, 640th Support Battalion, 1144th Joint Logistics Task Force, was awarded the Bronze Star medal downrange for meritorious conduct during operations in Southwest Asia. Sergeant Zapata is deployed from the 435th Vehicle Readiness Squadron.

FEELINGS ABOUT RECEIVING THE BRONZE STAR “Of course, I was excited, but also proud of my accomplishments during this deployment.”

ROLE IN DEPLOYED LOCATIONS “While deployed for eight months, I was a convoy commander of up to 50 personnel and more than 40 vehicles per mission. Our unit ran convoys from Kuwait to forward operating bases throughout Iraq delivering supplies and equipment to support operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.”

DEFINING MOMENTS OF DEPLOYMENT “During my deployment I was selected to meet Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Meeting someone of his stature was a privilege and I felt honored.”

RELATIONSHIP WITH ARMY COUNTERPARTS “On a day-to-day basis we cooperated with the Army. Being assigned to the 640th Battalion we received our convoy orders, intelligence briefs and logistical support from the Army throughout the entire deployment. On each mission we had gun truck support that also came from our Army counterparts. The relationship we had with our gun trucks was one of trust, as we relied on them for support when enemy situations rose.

WHAT HE SAW “On our first convoy mission, after delivering supplies to a forward operating base, we were on our return trip when our convoy was hit with an improvised explosive device. My lead vehicle was hit, critically injuring the driver. I ordered a medical evacuation for him from the site, and met with him later at a medical center. The doctors there told me that this would be the last time I would see him due to his injuries; they would have to send him for surgery. He was flown out of the country to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for further surgery and eventually sent to the U.S. to finish his recovery.”

HIS EXPERIENCE “The individuals that were assigned under me in my squad and ran with me on convoys will never be forgotten. The experience we went through together will be one that only a few can relate to and only a few know that bond we share.”