Bronze Star recipient

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jonathan Hehnly
  • 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  911th Airlift Wing Staff Sgt. Brian N. Barnes recently received the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service in Kabul, Afghanistan from August 6, 2012 to July 31, 2013.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, after December 6, 1941, while serving in any capacity with the armed forces of the United States, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.

The 911th Communications Squadron computer systems operator distinguished himself as an operations NCO and information management officer while on deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435.

"Barnes' superior leadership, attention to detail, and analytical skills were pivotal to fulfilling the command's communications operational needs," said Master Sgt. Jamie Goodin, the NCO in charge of CJ6, in Staff Sgt. Barnes' award recommendation. "His proven technical skills, combined with a 'can do' attitude, made him the go-to-person for difficult and hard to solve issues."

Staff Sgt. Barnes was directly responsible for troubleshooting more than 700 issues across the $16 million information technology enterprise system supporting the United States military in conducting detainee operations and promoting rule of law.

Barnes remediated multiple vulnerabilities at the Camp Phoenix Technical Control Facility, addressed several deficiencies with the command's morale network and volunteered to travel outside-the-wire to assist with establishing internet capability for the Detention Operations Command at the Pol-E-Charki prison complex.

"Staff Sgt. Barnes epitomizes the true nature of cyber professionals today," said Capt. Scott Dieffenbach, 911th Communications Squadron Commander. "He is the type of person that can develop a solution for virtually any Information Technology-related problem, so it is not surprising at all that Brian was so successful during his deployment. "

Whether on deployment or at home station, Staff Sgt. Barnes' ingenuity and knowledge is recognized by his leadership. Most recently he was selected for the 911th CS Chad Short unit level award. The annual award is given to the individual who most exemplified the high standards, conduct, motivation, initiative and selflessness that was a trademark of the, now deceased, Staff Sergeant Chad Short.

"It's his attitude that truly sets him apart," said Barnes' flight commander, Capt. Geoffrey Dobson. "He gives 100 percent, all the time, and is happy to do so."