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380AEW Article

AFCENT commander presents 380th AEW Airman with combat action medal

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson
  • 380th AEW Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  A 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer received the Air Force Combat Action Medal in a ceremony here Aug. 31.

Lt. Gen. Gary North, commander of 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central, presented the medal to Staff Sgt. Virginia Ganus, a tactical automated security system administrator, for her actions in Iraq in 2005.

The citation explains how Sergeant Ganus (then Hartberger) distinguished herself as the Fire Team Leader for the 506th Expeditionary Group at a deployed location in Iraq.
"During this period, while engaged in ground operations against the enemy, Sergeant (Ganus) led a fire team during two combat and reconnaissance patrols, ranging as far as eight kilometers off base."

The citation further states that Sergeant Ganus was directly involved with countering enemy actions directed at the unit's installation.

While performing duties as an additional gunner, Sergeant Ganus and her fire team were directed to investigate, engage and destroy the source of a possible rocket launch in their assigned patrol zone. As the team responded to the suspected site, their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

"I remember the blast of hot air and the smell," Sergeant Ganus recalled. "I can't really describe it, but I'll never forget it."

The NCO who is deployed here from Pope Air Force Base, N.C., was at that time, on her fifth combat deployment.

Narrator for the ceremony, 1st Lt. John McElroy, also from the 380th ESFS, read the events that took place subsequent to the explosion, "Immediately after the explosion and without hesitation, Sergeant Ganus exited the disabled vehicle and directed perimeter security around the vehicle. While security was being established she was able to focus her attention on a secondary IED sweep and provide immediate medical aid to the wounded truck commander."

As Lieutenant McElroy continued with the narration, Sergeant Ganus stood beside General North in front of a full house of her current deployed brethren.

The narration concluded with an explanation of Sergeant Ganus' actions as she stabilized the truck commander's injuries and provided valuable medical care until her team was evacuated from the scene.

The impact of the IED did more than spur an event leading to this medal presentation; it also affected Sergeant Ganus' outlook on life. "It made me appreciate life more," she said. "And even though it's been three years, I still appreciate life to the fullest."

The audience came to attention as the citation was read.

Sergeant Ganus, nearly a foot and a half shorter than General North, attained the full five feet her height would allow as the general pinned on her AFCAM. "This medal means a lot to me," Sergeant Ganus said. "It was an honor to have General North present it."

The general shared remarks as Sergeant Ganus stood before her friends and coworkers bearing the new medal.

"One of the biggest honors we have as commanders is being able to recognize excellence in combat," General North said.

The noncommissioned officer is currently serving her ninth combat deployment and shows no signs of slowing down. "The situation didn't deter me from pursuing a military career," she said. "If anything, I feel a better sense of accomplishment in the mission."

General North closed the ceremony by sharing his thoughts on some characteristics he lauds not only in Sergeant Ganus, but in all Airmen. "Sergeant Ganus' actions represent not only professionalism, discipline and bravery, but the epitome of what we hope all Airmen are every day," he said.