An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

ARTICLE SEARCH

Security Forces Airman presented the Grateful Nation Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Darlene West
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Master Sgt. Edward A. Tillman III, 92nd Security Forces Squadron training non-commissioned officer in charge, was presented the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs Grateful Nation Award by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, in Crystal City, Va., Dec. 8. Sergeant Tillman was nominated by Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, for having distinguished himself through superior conduct in the Global War on Terrorism.

"When I was initially notified that Sergeant Tillman was nominated for the Grateful Nation Award, I can honestly say that I was not surprised," said Maj. Jeffery Ditlevson, 92nd Security Forces Squadron commander. "I cannot think of a more deserving member of today's Air Force for this prestigious award. The fact that General Schwartz personally nominated Sergeant Tillman for this award speaks to its true magnitude."

The Grateful Nation Award is presented yearly to six outstanding individuals from each branch of the U.S. military, as well as the U.S. Special Operations Command. The Grateful Nation Award was created by JINSA in 2003. It recognizes individuals from the enlisted non-commissioned officer and junior officer ranks who have distinguished themselves through superior conduct in the War on Terrorism since 9/11. The recipients are nominated by their commanding officers and chosen by the senior leadership of their respective services.

Sergeant Tillman has been recognized for his outstanding efforts on numerous deployments and, most currently, his 365-day deployment to Iraq. He served as the squad leader commanding 45 members from the Air Force and Army. As squad leader he was given the responsibility to lead convoys, patrol missions, detainee operations and force protection measures in combat. He also led numerous Iraqi Police and Coalition Force joint patrols, contributing to a constant security presence that discouraged terrorist activity in the Baghdad area of operations.

According to Sergeant Tillman's nomination package, he remained calm under fire while leading more than 200 patrol missions covering 4,000 miles of territory, including a joint-force rescue of an Iraqi family which ultimately saved four individuals from certain death.

"I feel honored to have received the award," said Sergeant Tillman. "But I was doing my job as a squad leader."

Sergeant Tillman is not new to accepting awards. In 2008 he was presented the Bronze Star for his actions. In 2007 he received the Lance P. Sijan Award, given to those who demonstrate the highest qualities of leadership in their jobs and in their lives, as well as the Colonel Billy Jack Carter Award, which is presented annually to the military, civilian or contract employee who makes the most significant contribution in protecting Air Force people and resources.