Hurlburt Airman wins JINSA award

by Airman 1st Class Jeff Parkinson
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

12/12/2013 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- A combat controller from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron received the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs Grateful Nation award Dec. 2 in Washington, D.C.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Blout was selected for this award because of his work as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller in Afghanistan.

In one instance, he helped a nearby U.S. service member who was severely wounded and engaged in a gunfight. Blout selected a small team and led them on a one-mile sprint toward the hostile fire to locate his wounded teammate.

Then, Blout placed himself between the wounded service member and the nearby enemy force. While returning fire, he coordinated a medical evacuation and an AC-130 gunship attack on the enemy.

Blout's team held their ground during an intense fire fight. Blout exposed himself several times to identify insurgent positions as he coordinated a series of attacks, which ultimately ended the action.

Blout was one of six warriors recognized in our nation's capital for their superior conduct and exceptional service.

"It was a surreal experience," Blout said as he recalled the award ceremony. "I am humbled and honored to be recognized for this prestigious award and to represent the Air Force and Air Force Special Operations Command."

The award recipients represented each of the five branches of the military and the U.S. Special Operations Command.

"I was very happy to share the evening with my wife Amanda, [Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel and Chief Master Sgt. Bill Turner, AFSOC commander and command chief, and Lt. Col. Michael Flatten, 720th Special Tactics Group deputy commander]," said Blout. "Receiving the award with fellow service members and having it presented by [Adm. William McRaven, USSOCOM commander] was a good feeling."

JINSA was founded in 1976 as a non-profit, non-partisan organization to advocate on behalf of a strong U.S. military, a robust national security policy, and a strong U.S. relationship with Israel and other like-minded democracies.

"So many of my teammates have done incredible things in the battlefield in the past year, and I'm lucky to work with these guys," Blout said.

Blout has also been nominated to receive the Silver Star for his actions.