Two from Robins earn Bronze Star Medals

  • Published
  • By Damian Housman
  • Warner Robins Air Logistics Center Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) --  Two people assigned here were recognized for their combat heroism and meritorious service during presentations May 14.

Master Sgt. Gary Chelette and Bryan Braud received Bronze Star Medals for their actions in Iraq.

Sergeant Chelette, a C-130 Hercules crew chief with the 653rd Combat Logistics Support Squadron, was tasked from September 2006 to March 2007 with helping to build up the new Iraqi air force, and was exposed to enemy fire on numerous occasions.

Brig. Gen. Andy Busch, the 402nd Maintenance Wing commander, presented him with his Bronze Star.

"Sergeant Chelette is a C-130 crew chief to the core," said General Busch. "It is an honor to have served with you," the general said to Sergeant Chelette. 

He said Sergeant Chelette helped bring to fruition a wartime priority to give Iraq a self-sustaining national air force.

Mr. Braud, an aircraft painter in the 402nd Aircraft Maintenance Group here, was assigned to the Georgia Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq. He re-enlisted in the National Guard following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, after a break in service.

He was a platoon sergeant for the battalion commander's security detachment and served as a platoon sniper and had several other duties. On one operation his unit took mortar fire, resulting in shrapnel wounds to his face, but he continued to fight.

On Jan. 12, 2006, while he was escorting a convoy in Iraq, his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device and received wounds to his knee, shoulder and arm.

Col. Larry Dudney, the 48th Brigade commander, presented Sergeant Braud his medals. He received the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal. 

After receiving medical treatment in Iraq and at a hospital in Germany, he was sent to Walter Reed Army Hospital for further treatment, followed by 15 months at the medical facility at Fort Gordon, Ga. He was medically retired.

"It is a privilege and an honor to serve with someone of Sergeant Braud's character," said Colonel Dudney. "Sergeant Braud embodies the warrior ethos."

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