Newly authorized Air Force medals have necessitated new procedures at the awards and decorations section of the 435th Mission Support Squadron to update records for re-deploying Airmen.
Air Force officials have authorized wear of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon for personnel who have participated in operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM.
Eligible Airmen can have deployment-related awards update through individual commander’s support staff. Bring:
-a copy of the deployment orders and a paid travel voucher, or
-a decoration citation and special order from the deployment, or
-a certificate of appreciation from the deployment.
According to Tech. Sgt. Taniekia Coleman, NCO in charge of the 435th MSS awards and decorations section, Air Force guidance on wear and award criteria is expected to be released by the end of this fiscal year.
“These medals recognize the significant contributions Air Force members have made in the fight against terrorism and we want to update personnel data records as expeditiously as possible,” said Chief Master Sgt. Angie Fleming, MPF superintendent. “We hope this guidance clarifies the process and makes updating personnel records less complicated for members returning from deployment.”
The Air Force is also in the process of developing implementation procedures for the Department of Defense-approved Iraqi and Afghanistan campaign medals.
(Courtesy of 435th Mission Support Squadron)