Scott Airman earns Army Combat Action Badge Published June 29, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jacob Eckhardt 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Staff Sgt. Lance Atkinson, a combat trucker from the 387th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, was awarded the Army Combat Action Badge during a ceremony at a base in Southwest Asia June 9. Sergeant Atkinson received the badge for his actions while on a convoy in Iraq as part of the Joint Logistics Task Force 6, 424th Medium Truck Detachment in direct support of Operations New Dawn and Iraqi Freedom. According to Sergeant Atkinson, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device while on a convoy mission. Though their vehicle was hit, they kept driving and sustained minimal damage and no injuries. Despite the incident, Sergeant Atkinson's positive outlook on his deployment never changed. "We still have a job to do," he said. "Everyone doing these line-haul missions knew before we arrived in country the possibilities and dangers of what could happen. I've just been staying focused on what's ahead and not really dwelling on the past." Sergeant Atkinson went through the month-long Basic Combat Convoy Course at Camp Bullis, Texas. During the 300 or more hours of training, they learned skills such as communication, mission planning and convoy operations along with IED training. "Going through our training for IED situations like this is one thing, actually seeing the flash from the detonation and feeling the impact of the explosion is another," said Sergeant Atkinson. "In the end all that matters is everyone getting back home safely." Master Sgt. Charles Rager, Sergeant Atkinson's supervisor from the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron, described him as a true professional. "He takes his job seriously and is about making tough decisions," Sergeant Rager said. "When this incident happened, I'm sure he was one of the first men to ensure his comrades were not injured. That's just the kind of wingman he is."