104th Fighter Wing Recognizes Bronze Star with Valor recipient and Air National Guard Gold Badge Recruiter Published April 3, 2009 By 010409 BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Massachusetts -- Maj. General Michael Akey, Commander of the Mass. Air National Guard, will present a Bronze Star award with Valor device to Tech. Sgt. Gregory Pauli and a Gold Badge to Master Sgt. Ernest Smith during a wing commander's call On Sunday, 5 April 2009 at 3:30 p.m. Tech. Sgt. Pauli will be recognized for his heroism while serving as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team Leader at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan on 1 Jun 2007. While his team responded to a improvised explosive device, a second device exploded in their path killing and injuring members of his team. While pinned by small arms fire, Sgt. Pauli established command, Control, and security to the site and assisted in executing combat lifesaving actions to the severely injured team members. After further securing the area, Sgt. Pauli planned and led the Casualty Evacuation which was imperative to the survival of his team members. "The actions of Sgt. Pauli demonstrate the selflessness and warrior spirit of all our Airmen," said Col. Robert T. Brooks, 104th Wing Commander. "His actions are indicative of our core values, and we are proud to recognize his efforts." Also during this commander's call, Master Sgt. Ernest Smith will be recognized as the top production recruiter in the entire Air National Guard. Sgt. Smith will be recognized by being awarded a Gold Badge for his efforts in attaining 53 accessions for the Mass. Air National Guard in 2008. In additions to these national level recognitions, other members will be recognized for various accomplishments which have impacted the mission locally. #30# The media is welcome to attend this event. Please RSVP with the Public Affairs Office if you plan to attend. The location for the event is the Main Ramp at Barnes Air National Guard Base. The event will begin at 3:30 will conclude by 4:30 p.m. Capt Matthew T. Mutti Wing Exec Staff Officer / SARC / Public Affairs 104th Fighter Wing Barnes Air National Guard Base 175 Falcon Drive Westfield MA, 01085 matthew.mutti@mabarn.ang.af.mil (413) 568-9151 x 1800 DSN 698-1800 1-800-241-3005