Honoring a hero: Camp Bradley Smith ribbon cutting

Published May 1, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Airmen from the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing came together April 22, for the Camp Bradley Smith dedication and ribbon cutting here at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

The dedication served a two-fold purpose, first, to honor the memory of the camp's namesake, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller, who gave his life on the battlefield, January 3, 2010, and secondly, to thank the Airmen and contractors who made the camp habitable for more than 350 residents.

Senior Airman Bradley Smith, was on patrol in a 13-man element from the 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, Task Force 1-12 Infantry Regiment when they came under attack from heavy small arms fire and mortar rounds. The team triggered a pressure plate improvised explosive device resulting in three personnel being thrown from the explosion. Two of the personnel were thrown into a waist-high creek. Smith left his covered position and proceeded through cross fire to bring the wounded and mortally wounded to the collection point. He administered first aid to the wounded and then returned to the battle. For 30 minutes he fired on the enemy and controlled three separate formations of attack helicopters.

Col. Matt Butler, 807th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron commander, says that you can find similar stories like Smith's amongst the other JTAC Airmen though it doesn't diminish Smith's heroic actions.

"Our JTACs are true professionals," said Butler. "Most won't talk about the outstanding job their doing on a daily basis because they say it's what they're supposed to be doing anyway. I'm so proud to serve with these individuals."

Like Smith, there are JTACs who are fired upon, wounded, and taking cover from behind a rucksack but they are still controlling, said Butler.

Smith displayed that single mindedness and professionalism when he volunteered to conduct the recovery of the third individual thrown from the explosion. He and the platoon's medic were 10 meters from the casualty collection point when they triggered another IED and were killed instantly.

"Smith's selfless example few can understand or appreciate," said Senior Master Sgt. Bradley Behling, 451st Expeditionary Force Support Flight Superintendent. "His example epitomizes our core values."

Some in the Air Force may speak about the core values, while others demonstrate their integrity, selflessness, and excellence through their actions. Smith is one such Airman and his contributions won't be forgotten after the ribbon is cut.

"Our units find different ways to remember our fallen, nobody forgets about them," said Butler.

Smith clearly set a high standard for himself and his example is tough to follow, but those who worked on developing Camp Bradley Smith kept focused on what the camp would mean to KAF.

"Restoring the camp was hard work but we all concentrated on the end point that this camp would be for the betterment of all our Airmen at KAF," said Behling.

Currently, there are 400 residents, but soon, once renovations are complete the camp will house the more than 2,000 Airmen. The project involved hundreds of workers rotating out on a daily basis for nearly six months. Numerous jobs like trash removal and painting were done with wing labor saving nearly $150,000, but contractors also played a part in providing the electrical and waste services.

In a joint effort, wing members and contractors donated their time and material to complete the metal Camp Bradley Smith sign adorning the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation building.

"Almost everyone in the wing helped participate in some way and ready the camp," said Capt. Laura Miller, 451st EFSF commander. "I'm honored to have worked on Camp Bradley Smith."

For his selfless actions, Smith was posthumously nominated for the Silver Star.