374th LRS troop recognized as Airman of the Year

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- An Airman from the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron received the Air Force Transportation Airman of the Year Award.

Senior Airman Michael Lawrence earned the award for his performance with the 374 LRS at Yokota Air Base and his 253-day deployment with the 366th Transportation Group during Operation Iraqi Freedom augmenting the Army.

"While augmenting the Army in transportation during deployment Airman Lawrence logged 9,500 miles through 28 improvised explosive device attacks and encountered 14 enemy engagements, " said Chief Master Sgt. Matt Malenic, 374 LRS vehicle operations flight chief.

During one of the convoys his truck was struck by two IEDs severely wounding the truck commander. Airman Lawrence performed triage on his fellow LRS Airman saving his life and single handedly led the convoy away from the kill zone and established suppression fire to recover a damaged scout vehicle. According to the citation his efforts from the attack led him to receive the U.S. Army Achievement Medal and Army Combat Action Badge for heroic actions.

Airman Lawrence is a certified combat life saver. He mastered medical skills and was trained on triage, which assisted in providing no life lost on his watch and ensuing a safe return for all in his unit.

Additionally he delivered 810 tons of critical cargo without deviation to nine forward operating bases from Kuwait to Iraq.

To further secure the safety of military personnel sent on convoys, he expanded the IED search zone to 360 degrees by installing rotating golights on the lead vehicles.

"Airman Lawrence is an extraordinary Airman, the caliber we need today and in the future" said
Chief Malenic. "I am extremely proud to have served with him here and during deployment."

Airman Lawrence's contributions have continued here as well. His support to the 374 LRS mission includes navigating approximately 15 tons of Department of Defense mail 1,600 miles on time through Tokyo's congested roadways daily.

Airman Lawrence transported 620 patrons within approximately 1,000 miles operating Yokota's base shuttle, which helped to improve readiness and boost quality of life.

He performed quality control measures on 114 government vehicles ensuring 96 percent of vehicles were in commission for official duties.

"Airman Lawrence has been a superb role model for all of us in the 374 LRS," said Lt. Col. Richard Peterson, 374 LRS commander. "His character and staunch work ethic have helped make him who is today," said Colonel Peterson. "We are extremely proud and honored to have Airmen of his caliber within our midst, providing the backbone to today's and tomorrow's Air Force."

The result of Airman Lawrence's dedication to duty and his leadership in intense situations led him to receive the Air Force Transportation Airman of the Year Award.

"We have always heard of the 'great generation' of World War II, I believe Airman Lawrence represents one of the 'greats' this country will have known," said Chief Malenic.