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AMC squadron commander receives Bronze Star for deployed service

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jon Stock
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Lt. Col. Charles Henderson, Air Mobility Command Test and Evaluation Squadron commander, received a Bronze Star on May 25 here for deployed service after returning from Iraq.

Colonel Henderson accepted the decoration from Lt. Gen. Rusty Findley, Air Mobility Command vice commander, after serving in Baghdad, Iraq from Sept. 20, 2009 to Mar. 31, 2010.

Colonel Henderson's accomplishments in Iraq included serving as the Air Liaison Officer to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Joint Operations Center and Deputy Director of Aviation Plans.

While serving as Deputy Director of Aviation Plans, he coordinated the integration of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade and the redeployment of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade. These efforts resulted in the successful transfer of authority between organizations which consisted of more than 4,920 personnel and over 188 rotary wing aircraft.

Colonel Henderson orchestrated the air transportation of more than 2,000 detainees and 134 guard forces between detainee holding facilities in Iraq.

Also, his efforts ensured planning initiatives encompassed employment of rotary-wing and inter-theater aircraft, quick reaction forces, aero medical evacuation assets and Unmanned Aerial Systems in order to meet strategic objectives in while in theater.

While on an advisory role to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Joint Operations Center, he assisted in the transition of authority from United States Force-Iraq to the Government of Iraq.

The main issues Colonel Henderson provided guidance on focused on border disputes, port violations, religious pilgrimage and elections preparation.

"The Bronze Star is awarded for two reasons, meritorious service and heroic achievement. While certainly no hero, I know there have been many before me that have earned this for their actions," said Colonel Henderson. "It is because of these individuals' actions that I am both extremely humbled and honored to share in the wearing of this medal."

Colonel Henderson is currently stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ.