Local community honors Grand Forks Airmen

Published Aug. 13, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EAST GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- Two Airmen were recognized for their courageous service during a tribute ceremony Aug. 12 at the East Grand Forks Civic Center.

Master Sgt. Clifford Monroe, 319th Civil Engineering Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Kristoffer Schneider, 319th Medical Support Squadron, were presented awards by 319th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Tim Bush alongside East Grand Forks Mayor Lynn Stauss and Grand Forks Mayor Michael Brown in front of several hundred attendees.

Each award was crafted into the shape of a shield, made from pieces of a Humvee door used in combat overseas. They read: "With humbled gratitude for your selfless dedication and sacrifice."

The ceremony was part of a four-day celebration of the 125th anniversary of the city of East Grand Forks, and also recognized the service of all military members, veterans, firemen and policemen.

Schneider was the first of the two called to the stage, and his story brought onlookers to a standing ovation.

Schneider was part of a group of Airmen preparing to deploy from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, to Afghanistan when they were attacked at Frankfurt International Airport by a lone gunman. Two Airmen were killed and Schneider and another Airman were wounded in the attack. Despite his serious injuries, Schneider's first thought was to pursue and apprehend the gunman, who was captured by German police and ultimately brought to trial.

"It feels great to be recognized," said Schneider, who received a Purple Heart for his service. "I don't just take this for myself; I take this for all the guys that were with me on my team and the bus. They're the reason I'm here and this (award) is theirs.

"The community support in Grand Forks is awesome because there are a lot of places that don't know what we go through as military members," Schneider said. "It's great that this community recognizes the importance of our service."

Monroe was recognized for his actions during his fourth deployment, in Afghanistan, where he came under direct and indirect fire more than 35 times. More specifically, Monroe was recognized for his role July 31, 2010, when his convoy came under fire. Monroe dismounted from his vehicle to bring the fight to the enemy, despite incoming rocket-propelled grenades and AK-47 rounds. He and his team marked the insurgents' position for attacking OH-58D helicopters, which then provided suppressive fire.

Monroe was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Combat Action Badge and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

"It is very humbling," said Monroe of receiving the award. "It means a lot to have a community support you and makes all that hard work worthwhile."

Bush collected the final piece of recognition as he accepted a plaque presented on the behalf of the cities of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks thanking all Airmen and civilians at Grand Forks Air Force Base for their service in the military and in the community.