Kadena EOD techs receive combat action medals from Lt. Gen. Rice

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Renee Crisostomo
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  During a recent visit to Kadena Air Base, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Edward Rice Jr., presented two Airmen with the Air Force Combat Action medal.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Sepsey and Senior Airman David Dezwaan, both explosive ordnance disposal technicians from the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron, received their medals for engaging the enemy while deployed with Marines in Helmland Province, Afghanistan in late 2009.

"Our vehicle struck an IED," Arman Dezwaan said of the mission that led to his receiving the AFCAM. "It was a 40 pound blast and I wasn't quite sure what had happened. I thought it was just another big bump."

Airman Dezwaan also faced some small arms fire, but fortunately, only suffered a bump to his head from the improvised explosive device.

On a separate mission, Sergeant Sepsey was on a patrol when his lead vehicle hit a 100-pound IED. He said that about 30 minutes after the blast, his convoy was attacked.

"We had been attacked previously on different missions, but this one was incredibly serious," he explained. "We were taking fire from more directions and locations than any other attack."

He, too, was able to leave the incident without injury. Sergeant Sepsey said receiving this medal is a nice way for airmen to be recognized for their efforts outside the wire.