BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (9/24/09) – Tech. Sgt. Richard Gibbons, 140th Civil Engineering Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, received a Purple Heart medal Sept. 19 at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. His vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade while on a mounted patrol in Afghanistan earlier that week.
Gibbons sustained non-life threatening injuries to his shoulder and leg, but he is in great spirits, said Brig. Gen. Trulan Eyre, 140th Wing commander.
“We are so lucky that his injuries aren’t more severe and that this is yet another reminder of the great work our Guardsmen are doing both at home and abroad,” said Eyre.
The 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard currently has 75 Guardsmen deployed in support of various operations around the world.
“He’s really a great guy. Everyone likes him and he’s got a great sense of humor. In fact, I miss him. He’s a master at his job and a great technician, I really respect him,” said Tech. Sgt. Jason Harrison, 140th Civil Engineering EOD Flight Manager and Gibbons’ direct supervisor at Buckley.
via Colorado Air National Guardsman receives Purple Heart.
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