CMSgt. Jeffrey Baumgras, an airman assigned to Charleston AFB, S.C., on Friday received a Bronze Star medal for his meritorious service during a deployment to Kuwait. The Post and Courier reported that Baumgras was recognized for his work as superintendent of the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group there from 2009 to 2010. According to the newspaper, his unit recorded an unprecedented rate for mission effectiveness at one of the busiest C-130 airlift hubs in Southwest Asia.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
