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AFPC officer receives Bronze Star

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RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Lt. Col. Glenn Rattell received the Bronze Star recently for his meritorious service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the deputy commander of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group, Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq from Sept. 1, 2005 to Jan. 24.

According to his citation, Colonel Rattell demonstrated exemplary leadership directing survival and recovery operations while under fire from over 50 enemy insurgent attacks while commanding and controlling 1,000 Air Force personnel during the highest period of violence since Operation Iraqi Freedom began in 2003.

"Lieutenant Colonel Rattell performed above and beyond the call of duty leading our troops in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom," said Col. Ed Daniel, 506th Air Expeditionary Group commander and now the vice commander of the 1st Air Force at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. "His superior leadership directly benefited Iraqi citizens by helping them establish voting stations for their nation's constitution referendum and continue reconstruction efforts in Kirkuk province."

"Congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Rattell for an outstanding deployment and a medal well earned," said Maj. Gen. Tony Przybyslawski, Air Force Personnel Center commander here who presented Colonel Rattell's medal. "His exemplary service speaks directly to the Air Force's efforts in support of our nation's commitment to bring freedom and stability to the people of Iraq."

Colonel Rattell, the chief of the communications officer assignments branch at AFPC credited a positive attitude for getting him through his deployment. His leadership and attitude significantly impacted the welfare of more than 7,000 Army, Navy, Air Force, civilian and coalition forces.

"You always want to put your best foot forward, because the Airmen and Soldiers are looking at you for their strength," said Colonel Rattell. "Even on your worst day you don't want to get anyone else down. So, we worked hard to keep the troops motivated."

That motivation came through good food, activities to keep them busy and frequent contact with their families. But, he also provided motivation to his troops "outside the wire."

"When your convoy comes under fire obviously you're nervous, but then the training kicks in and you do what you're trained to do - take cover, maneuver out of the situation and return fire if necessary," said Colonel Rattell. "Everything happens so quickly you don't have time to think about what you're doing you just react to the situation and make sure everyone is safe. When it's all over and you're back at the base, then you have time to reflect on what you just been through."

The Bronze Star is awarded for combat heroism or meritorious service to service members in all branches of the military.
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