Air Guardsman reflects on meaning of 3rd Bronze Star

by Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Matwey
166th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

7/24/2014 - NEW CASTLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Delaware -- An Air National Guard Airman from the 166th Airlift Wing here was presented with the Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony at the wing headquarters here June 20.

Air Force Maj. Devin Tomaseski, base civil engineer, 166th Civil Engineer Squadron, was presented the medal by Air Force Brig. Gen. Carol Timmons, assistant adjutant general, air, Delaware National Guard.

Tomaseski received the medal after distinguishing himself by exceptionally meritorious service while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the executive officer of Joint Task Force Paladin Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, from Dec. 8, 2011 to June 1, 2012.

Tomaseski is an Explosive Ordinance Disposal-qualified civil engineer with more than 15 years of service in the active-duty Air Force and the Air National Guard. He has deployed six times in direct support of Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom.

"When we receive the call for a suspicious item, the entire team responding puts on their game face," said Tomaseski. "From the moment we leave the base until we arrive on scene, tension is high with everyone on alert. Once we disarm the device and clear the scene, there is instant gratification; whether it is the appreciation from the local civilians, or that of the security detail that blocked off the area, to the adrenaline rush you receive from playing a life or death game of chess with the enemy, the job is extremely rewarding."

This is the third Bronze Star Medal awarded to Tomaseski, a resident of Middletown. His first two medals were awarded after his tours in Iraq in 2006 and again in 2007-2008, each in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Receiving the Bronze Star was an honor," said Tomaseski. "What made the event even better is that I was able to share it with my family. However, the moment was bittersweet, remembering all of the outstanding men and women that I have served with over the past 16 years, some of them having paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country."

Attending the June 20 ceremony were Tomaseski's parents, William and Cathy Tomaseski, along with his fiancé, Christie Williams, his son, Xander, and stepson, Justin.