Air Force earns six campaign streamers

Published Aug. 27, 2009
By Captain Frank Hartnett
Combined Air and Space Operations Center Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A new chapter of military history was recognized here, Aug. 26, as the U.S. Air Force added six campaign streamers to accompany the Air Force colors.

The new streamers were presented by the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, and received by Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, to approximately 300 Airmen deployed to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and the USAFCENT Combined Air and Space Operations Center.

"These campaign streamers serve as symbols - symbols to help us pay homage to the sacrifice, bravery, and patriotism of our men and women," said Mr. Donley. "These campaign streamers are part of our Air Force history - one that is still being written by nearly 40,000 deployed Airmen, like you, supporting worldwide operations."

Campaign streamers are awarded for participation in a completed campaign that is formally recognized by the Undersecretary of Defense. The streamers represent a military tradition that can be traced into antiquity; it was common for units to carry emblems and symbols to represent participation in past battles and wars.

"These campaign streamers are emblematic," said General Hostage, "of selfless Airmen who lived our core values and met the challenge...some who sacrificed their all, giving their lives during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan."

The Department of Defense formally designated three Iraqi campaigns and two Afghanistan campaigns. The designated campaigns for Iraq are the "Liberation of Iraq" (March 19, 2003 - May 1, 2003), the "Transition of Iraq" (May 2, 2003 - June 28, 2004), and "Iraqi Governance" (June 29, 2004 - December 15, 2005). The designated campaigns for Afghanistan are the "Liberation of Afghanistan" (September 11, 2001 -November 30, 2001) and "Consolidation I" (Dec 1, 2001 - September 30, 2006).

Additionally, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs authorized the Air Force Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary streamer. This streamer is awarded to qualified units in recognition of service in the other GWOT-E geographic regions outside of Iraq and Afghanistan, such as Bahrain, Qatar, and the Horn of Africa.

"Our AFCENT Airmen - enlisted, officers and civilians - are writing tomorrow's history today," said General Hostage. "They, along with our sister services and Coalition partners, are fully engaged in current operations in this AOR to establish the conditions for regional security, stability, and prosperity. I'm honored to serve with them and be part of the legacy they're building."