Kadena medic awarded Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jason W. Edwards
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Senior Master Sgt. Patrick McEneany was awarded the Bronze Star Medal Nov. 24 for exceptionally meritorious service while deployed with a joint task force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom earlier this year.

The senior non-commissioned officer from the 18th Medical Group managed the medical budget for his deployed unit and organized the turn in of medical supplies that were either expired or obsolete. He also coordinated medical supplies for the treatment of personnel at his location and various forward operating bases.

"Providing medical care in the deployed combat environment is completely different than having the comfort of a fully equipped base hospital at your disposal," said Sergeant McEneany, a veteran of 24 years with multiple deployments under his belt. "You are operating independently and must make critical decisions every day to ensure mission accomplishment."

Upon being presented the Bronze Star, the humbled senior master sergeant said he was honored that Joint Task Force leadership took the time and effort to submit him for the award.

"This award highlights a truly remarkable medical team composed of active duty, guardsmen and reservists from the Air Force, Army, and Navy that provided the absolute best medical care possible under some of the most demanding circumstances imaginable," Sergeant McEneany said.

"We were not surprised to hear that he had been awarded this medal," said Col. Barbara King, 18th Medical Group commander. "[Sergeant] McEneany is one of those Airmen that works hard and accomplishes so much for the organization. His expertise as an independent duty medical technician is valued and he was used to the best of his ability during this past deployment. We are so proud of his accomplishments."

The Bronze Star Medal recognizes acts of heroism, or single acts of merit, or meritorious service.