Lt. Col. Mark McCloud, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, congratulates Tech. Sergeants Cory Kemp and Jermaine Kindred, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technicians during a decoration ceremony Jan. 26. Both sergeants received Purple Hearts after sustaining injuries from an improvised explosive device detonation in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in September. Sergeant Kemp also received an Air Force Combat Action Medal for his service during Operation Enduring Freedom. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. military who are wounded by an enemy during combat operations. The Combat Action Medal is awarded to Airmen who have been involved in direct fighting situations where they risked their lives in an enemy engagement.
