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Lt. Col. Camarillo awarded BSM

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Col. Alan Metzler, 586th Air Expeditionary Group commander, awarded Lt. Col. Carlos Camarillo, 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, the Bronze Star at the squadron's change of command ceremony March 12. 

Colonel Camarillo relinquished command of the 586th ELRS to Maj. Peter Nigro Jr. at that same ceremony. 

"I'm humbled by it," Colonel Camarillo said. "So many brave men and women go out on the road every day, and they're doing such an outstanding mission, literally putting their lives on the line. Just to have an opportunity to command this squadron is a privilege." 

Colonel Camarillo said the award came as a shock to him. 

"You come over here, and you never expect it," he said. "You just want to come over here and do the mission, do it well and go home." 

During Colonel Camarillo's six months as squadron commander, the 586th ELRS accomplished more than 160 combat logistics patrols with a 100 percent success rate despite 34 attacks. The squadron covered more than 7.3 million miles, delivering 1.7 million pounds of cargo to 25 forward operating bases and maintained a 95 percent vehicle readiness rate. 

Colonel Camarillo's greatest achievement, however, was in his efforts to reorganize and streamline the squadron, said Colonel Metzler. 

"Lt. Col. Camarillo set his sights on transforming the unit and refocusing the energy of the squadron on what it could achieve through integration, synergy and teamwork," Colonel Metzler said. "His plan right-sized the squadron by eliminating seven positions, refocused pre-deployment training by reducing the number of Airmen attending combat skills training, eliminated duplication in shops and sections, improved and streamlined equipment accountability and support to operational teams and enabled subordinate leaders to focus more closely on mission planning and execution." 

Being able to leave knowing he's made a difference is a source of pride for him, Colonel Camarillo said. 

"Being able to walk away from here knowing that we've made some real changes that are going to last," he said. "Being able to reduce the number of Airmen who have to come out here and do this mission and reorganize as a real Air Force squadron and operate as one." 

Colonel Metzler said Colonel Camarillo's efforts have left the squadron better off. 

"Our Airmen, this mission and our Air Force are better off because at this time and this place in history, he served as the commander of the 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron," he said. 

As he prepares to return home, Colonel Camarillo said he knows his squadron will continue to excel. 

"I want them to continue to work on all the good things we've started," he said. "It's a unique mission for the Air Force. It's the only one of its kind, and it's a story that needs to be told. I hope everyone goes home safe soon."