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Airmen recognized for their 'Eagle Eyes'

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donald Thorbs
  • 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  An Airman from the 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron recently earned high praise from his Army convoy counterparts for his role in detecting a hostile threat on the roads of Iraq.

Col. Terence Hermans, 4th Sustainment Brigade commander, presented an Eagle Eye Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) in August to Staff Sgt. Kory Weaver, a lead vehicle commander deployed to the 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at an Army camp in Southwest Asia.

The 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron provides two in-lieu-of medium truck detachments in support of the Army's line-haul convoy mission. Airmen and Soldiers work together under the constant threat of attack to deliver supplies to US forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Eagle Eye Program recognizes Airmen and Soldiers who positively identify an improvised explosive device while on a convoy mission in Iraq.

While occupying the lead convoy vehicle, the most dangerous position in a line-haul convoy, Sergeant Weaver spotted what appeared to be a 130 millimeter round lying in the road. He immediately halted the convoy and directed his driver, Airman 1st Class Joseph Groce, 586th ELRS, to maneuver their fully-loaded tractor and trailer to a safe distance from the suspected IED.

The convoy team contacted an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, and upon their arrival, EOD confirmed the 130 millimeter round was the explosive charge of a command-wired IED.

"All the recognition is well deserved because their actions possibly saved lives," said Master Sgt. Charles Mann, deployed to the 586th ELRS. "Both Sergeant Weaver and Airman Groce are outstanding combat Airmen."

Sergeant Mann was the convoy commander of the mission where the IED was found.

"I was just doing my job," Sergeant Weaver said. 

Colonel Hermans also recognized the actions of Sergeant Weaver and Airman Groce by presenting them with an additional "Wrangler 6" belt buckle, a prestigous unit award.