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Top Communications and Information Awards go to Scott SNCO

  • Published
  • By 375th Communications Squadron
  • Transport Systems Flight
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Miller, 375th Communications Squadron Transport Systems Flight superintendent, was selected as the Air Force's 2007 Communications and Information Outstanding Communications-Electronic Systems Maintenance professional, as well as the Air Force Association's Gen. Billy Mitchell Award winner for Communication Excellence. Just one example of Sergeant Miller's many contributions to the Air Force's warfighting capability occurred during his recent deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgergeant Miller was the Battalion Electronic Warfare Officer, Joint Task Force Paladin, Combined Joint Task Force-76, while deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, from January to July of 2007. During his deployment he logged 118 combat missions and performed a variety of roles from driver, vehicle gunner, croop commander and convoy commander.

April 1 2007, Forward Operating Base Methar Lam's Entry Control Point was attacked by a vehicle born improvised explosive device and five local nationals were killed. Another ten were critically wounded. Sgt. Miller quickly rose to defend the base and joined the first responders to secure the attack area. Once on scene, his team set up outside-the-wire security, cordoned off the village streets to eliminate the probability of secondary IED attacks and set up a medical evacuation hot landing zone.

His actions allowed quick care and the evacuation of six wounded local national children and four members of the Afghanistan National Army; resulting in the survival of 9 out of the ten wounded local nationals. Additionally, his actions allowed the safe exploitation of the area where the attack occurred to ensure all evidence was preserved for the theater's forensic team analysis. Sergeant Miller was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions in combat.

The Gen. Billy Mitchell Award winner is selected from among the officer, enlisted and civilian Communications and Information award winners, as the person whose contributions most enhanced the Air Force's warfighting capability. Sergeant Miller will be awarded the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award during the annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Wash. D.C. to be held in the fall.