Ramstein Airman receives Bronze Star downrange

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  • By 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Technical Sgt. Lorenzo Zapata, convoy commander of 70th Medium Truck Detachment, 640th Support Battalion, 1144th Joint Logistics Task Force, was awarded the Bronze Star medal downrange for meritorious conduct during operations in southwest Asia. Sergeant Zapata is deployed from the 435th Vehicle Readiness Squadron. He shared his experiences with Public Affairs.

PA: How did you feel when you found out you were to receive the Bronze Star?
Sergeant Zapata: Of course I was excited, but also proud of my accomplishments during this deployment.

PA: What was your role in your deployed location?
Sergeant Zapata: While deployed for eight months, I was a convoy commander of up to 50 personnel and more than 40 vehicles per mission. Our unit ran convoys from Kuwait to forward operating bases throughout Iraq delivering supplies and equipment to support operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

PA: What were some of the defining moments of your deployment?
Sergeant Zapata: During my deployment I was selected to meet Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Meeting someone of his stature was a privilege and I felt honored.

PA: Describe the relationship with your Army counterparts.
Sergeant Zapata: On a day-to-day basis we cooperated with the Army. Being assigned to the 640th Battalion we received our convoy orders, intelligence briefs and logistical support from the Army throughout the entire deployment. On each mission we had gun truck support that also came from our Army counterparts. The relationship we had with our gun trucks was one of trust, as we relied on them for support when enemy situations rose.

PA: Was there a specific event on your citation? Can you describe that event? Please include what you saw, heard and felt.
Sergeant Zapata: On our first convoy mission, after delivering supplies to a forward operating base, we were on our return trip when our convoy was hit with an improvised explosive device. My lead vehicle was hit, critically injuring the driver. I ordered a medical evacuation for him from the site, and met with him later at a medical center. The doctors there told me that this would be the last time I would see him due to his injuries; they would have to send him for surgery. He was flown out of the country to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for further surgery and eventually sent to the U.S. to finish his recovery.

PA: Anything you would like to add from your feeling on this honor is very much appreciated.
Sergeant Zapata: The individuals that were assigned under me in my squad and ran with me on convoys will never be forgotten. The experience we went through together will be one that only a few can relate to and only a few know that bond we build.