Two Fairchild Airman awarded Bronze Star Medals: SFS NCO displays leadership Published Aug. 25, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Kwang Woong Kim 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Staff Sgt. Jose Cadena, 92nd Security Forces Squadron, was awarded a Bronze Star in a ceremony July 25 for his exceptional service as an explosive detection dog handler in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Cadena was deployed to Afghanistan in support of United States Forces Afghanistan South/Southwest from November 2010 to May 2011. During his time, he served as a patrol explosive detector dog handler. He was directly involved in the planning, coordination and execution of 54 missions requiring PEDD support. His expertise greatly enhanced the overall effectiveness of all operations in which he was involved. The leadership and dedication to duty from Cadena were instrumental to the unit's mission during combat operations. His superb tactical employment and expert knowledge of his assigned PEDD were critical for mission accomplishment, resulting in five explosive finds consisting of two weapons caches, three improvised explosive devices, 75 lbs. of homemade explosives and one improvised explosive device manufacturing facility. In one particular combat patrol, his presence played a critical role in the execution of searching and clearing a Taliban stronghold, which resulted in deterring weapons trafficking and IED emplacements. Cadena's participation in multiple air assault missions, numerous house-to-house searches and several area security missions in support of Task Force Strike and Fury greatly enhanced the security of all forward operating bases within the respective task forces' area of responsibility.