B52gator Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 Some people get "medals" and then real people get real medals. https://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123139145 3/11/2009 - POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFNS) -- Tears stood in Sue Rhyner's eyes as she talked about her son, who, in a ceremony March 10 here received the Air Force Cross, the highest military decoration awarded by the service, and a Purple Heart. Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner of the 21st Special Tactics Squadron from Pope Air Force Base, N.C., received the medal for uncommon valor during Operation Enduring Freedom before a crowd of hundreds dotted with combat controllers' red berets. The decoration is second only to the Medal of Honor, and is awarded by the president. "This is overwhelming. I couldn't be prouder," Ms. Rhyner said. "Zac is part of an awesome group of individuals who personify teamwork; something he learned early on being one of five children." Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley presented Sergeant Rhyner the Air Force Cross for his actions during an intense 6.5-hour battle in Shok Valley, Afghanistan, April 6, 2008. The Air Force has not awarded the decoration in more than six years. "Your actions are now and forever woven into the rich fabric of service, integrity and excellence that has connected generations of America's Airmen since the very inception of airpower," Secretary Donley said to Sergeant Rhyner. "Rarely do we present an Airman with the Air Force Cross, let alone a Purple Heart, and with good reason. The Air Force Cross is reserved for those who demonstrate unparalleled valor in the face of insurmountable odds." Secretary Donley added that among the millions who have served, only 192 Air Force Crosses have been awarded. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz also presented Sergeant Rhyner with the Purple Heart. General Schwartz said special forces Soldiers lived to tell the story of the Shok Valley battle thanks to the courage, tenacity, teamwork, as well as the invaluable and selfless efforts of Sergeant Rhyner. Despite injuries he sustained as the result of persistent insurgent fire, Sergeant Rhyner coordinated more than 50 aerial attacks to continuously repel the enemy during the beleaguering battle that occurred during his first deployment. According to the decoration citation, Sergeant Rhyner "provided suppressive fire with his M-4 rifle against enemy fire while fellow teammates were extracted from the line of fire." "The team survived this hellish scene ... not by chance, not by luck and not by the failings of a weak or timid foe," General Schwartz said. The general spoke emotionally and with gratitude for the team's devotion to duty and courage in the line of fire. "A grateful nation could not be more proud for what you do and no doubt what you will do," the general said. Lt. Col. Michael Martin, the 21st STS commander, echoed the efforts of Sergeant Rhyner and the aviators from above. "Zac -- systematically with (F-15E) Strike Eagles, A-10 (Thunderbolt IIs) and AH-64 (Apaches) -- unleashed hell on the enemy," Colonel Martin said. "The enemy had the proverbial high ground that day on those mountain ridge lines, but it was the aviators in the sky who truly held the highest ground." Colonel Martin credited the 335th Fighter Squadron from Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., and the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, for providing critical close-air support during the battle. Sergeant Rhyner's demonstration of teamwork among his colleagues and flying units was the linear theme of the ceremony. For the same battle, an unprecedented 10 special forces Soldiers received Silver Stars, the Army's third highest award for valor in combat. "It all boils down to teamwork," Colonel Martin said to Sergeant Rhyner. "You did exactly what you get paid to do -- kill the enemy -- and you did a damned good job." Perhaps Sergeant Rhyner's heroism is bested only by his humility. "Any other combat controller in the same position would've done just what I did," said the NCO who was a senior airman at the time of the battle. Sergeant Rhyner's father, Paul Rhyner, said he now has only one expectation for his son and other special forces members in future missions. "Come home safe; all of you," the elder Rhyner said.
M2 Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 The story needs a few pics... And to SSgt Rhyner! Cheers! M2
JP84U2 Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 Harrumph! Okay, I'm confused, I've seen "Harrumph" used this way (as a positive comment?) here on base ops before, but when I look it up I get: Harrumph intransitive verb 1 : to clear the throat in a pompous way 2 : to comment disapprovingly transitive verb : to utter (a comment) disapprovingly Someone care to enlighten me? Humps
M2 Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 Okay, I'm confused, I've seen "Harrumph" used this way (as a positive comment?) here on base ops before, but when I look it up I get: Harrumph intransitive verb 1 : to clear the throat in a pompous way 2 : to comment disapprovingly transitive verb : to utter (a comment) disapprovingly Someone care to enlighten me? Humps
Guest Alarm Red Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 Okay, I'm confused, I've seen "Harrumph" used this way (as a positive comment?) here on base ops before, but when I look it up I get: Harrumph intransitive verb 1 : to clear the throat in a pompous way 2 : to comment disapprovingly transitive verb : to utter (a comment) disapprovingly Someone care to enlighten me? Humps Probably should have its own thread, but 'Harumph': 1 - Blazing Saddles reference. If you haven't seen it, turn off your computer right now and go rent it. 2 - 36th FS reference. Don't know that there are any Fiends, past or present here though. Regarding Sgt Rhyner, well deserved and I'm glad we've got guys like him on our side.
JP84U2 Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 Sh!t, I've seen that movie a 100 times, didn't know about the 36th FS though...thanks for the clarification! And to SSgt. Rhyner
GW Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 21st Special Tactics Squadron from Pope Air Force Base, N.C Good group of dudes to work and play with. Highly recommend going on that trip if it shows up on your x-country board. The praise they receive is well deserved. GW
08Dawg Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 Well done! Good to see somebody bringing some positive attention to the Air Force.
Guest Krabs Posted March 12, 2009 Posted March 12, 2009 Can't get much better than: "You did exactly what you get paid to do -- kill the enemy -- and you did a damned good job." Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner :beer:
FalconXtreme Posted March 12, 2009 Posted March 12, 2009 dang M2 i wish u had posted those pics yesterday. i just did a mini brief on this story today at LLAB and didnt have those actual award pics to put in it. but either way super :beer:
brabus Posted March 12, 2009 Posted March 12, 2009 (edited) Probably should have its own thread, but 'Harumph': 1 - Blazing Saddles reference. If you haven't seen it, turn off your computer right now and go rent it. 2 - 36th FS reference. Don't know that there are any Fiends, past or present here though. We're gonna need a shitload of dimes! to Sgt Rhyner. I hope I have the chance to work with guys like him in the future. Edited March 12, 2009 by brabus
Stuck Posted March 13, 2009 Posted March 13, 2009 https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2tggLZ2rGkg/SZ7v...brass-balls.jpg Cheers. -Stuck
Toro Posted March 15, 2009 Posted March 15, 2009 In no way to detract from Sgt Rhyner, I'd like to give props to the bros in the air. As it turns out, both guys in the article are former students of mine. F-15E pilots protect ground forces in massive firefight
Guest SATCOM Posted March 15, 2009 Posted March 15, 2009 In no way to detract from Sgt Rhyner, I'd like to give props to the bros in the air. As it turns out, both guys in the article are former students of mine. F-15E pilots protect ground forces in massive firefight You are so right. It was a total team effort. As we (CCT) were leaving OEF recently, we MADE sure to head across the runway to the F-15 area for a proper face-to-face debrief/AAR and a hearty THANKS for the professionalism and support.
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