An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
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.

Keesler safety chief awarded Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Salanitri
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
Lt. Col. David Poage, 81st Training Wing safety chief, was awarded the Bronze Star Jan. 21 for his work as commander of Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

As commander of the PRT from January to November 2008, Colonel Poage provided security, governance and post-conflict reconstruction to the people of the province. 

While deployed, Colonel Poage had oversight of 86 servicemembers who helped rebuild more than 50 infrastructure projects.  The colonel also led more than300 combat support missions in a hostile area.

The 21-year Air Force veteran has been assigned to Keesler Air Force Base for the past two-and-a-half years. Among many safety duties, his section conducts an over-all accident prevention program for the welfare of every member of the Keesler AFB community. 

"Getting the Bronze Star is great, but is only the icing on the cake," said Colonel Poage. "I told the troops I was deployed with that awards will be written up and not everyone will receive the Medal of Honor, but we all know what we did here." 

The Bronze Star is the fourth highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and 9th highest award among U.S. military decorations. The award recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious service accomplished with distinction. 

Colonel Poage has been deployed around the world, including duty in the United Arab Emirates, Southwest Asia, Israel and Kuwait. 

Colonel Poage leaves Keesler AFB in February to join the Air and Space Operation Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.