Kandahar, Afghanistan: Tech. Sgt Robert A. Zumel received the Afghanistan Campaign Medal from Lt. Col. Steve Martinez, Commander, 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Stanley A. Bembo)

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Kandahar, Afghanistan: Senior Airman Minh L. Gillett received the Afghanistan Campaign Medal from Lt. Col. Steve Martinez, Commander, 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Stanley A. Bembo)

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349th Air Mobility Wing members continue serving above and beyond during deployment

Published March 30, 2010
By 2nd. Lt. Billy J, Ancheta
45th Aerial Port Squadron

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- During the March Commander's Call at the 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, Kandahar, Afghanistan, Tech. Sgt. Robert A. Zumel and Senior Airman Minh L. Gillett both received the Afghanistan Campaign Medal from Lt. Col. Steve Martinez, Commander, 451st ELRS.

In addition to the awards, Senior Airman Gillett also nabbed the coveted Airman of the month award and received a letter of appreciation.

Just last month, Master Sgt. Khalid I. Ali received the NCO of the month award.

Members of the 45th Aerial Port Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. are deployed to Kandahar Airfield, which is located approximately 15 miles from the city of Kandahar Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

This air field was one of the most remote, landlocked and desolate places the U.S. military had ever tried to build a combat base. It made for a perfect hub for the coalition to go on missions into the mountains to battle the Taliban or perform reconstruction projects that range from digging a well for a village to setting the stage for national elections and ratifying a constitution.