First Lt. Michael Small received a Bronze Star for leading and helping organize the first Air Force-only Security Forces unit to conduct law and order operations on an Army facility—Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, Iraq. Under his watch, the airmen handled more than 10 mortar and rockets attacks, a rape investigation, and provided security support for several VIPs. The Army submitted Small, who is an instructor with the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron, Eglin AFB, Fla.
We looked back on the past 12 months to find the stories that resonated the most with you, our audience, and these 10 topped the list. Maybe you missed one the first time around, or perhaps you’d like to revisit a favorite.