AF recruiting squadron chief receives Bronze Star for meritorious achievement

  • Published
  • By Airman Davis Donaldson
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

The Bronze Star is awarded to a service member after conducting commendable service in a combat zone, not an achievement to be taken lightly.

Chief Master Sgt. Robert J. Todd, 332nd Recruiting Squadron superintendent, received a Bronze Star Nov. 9 in Huntsville, Alabama, during a small ceremony highlighting his efforts while deployed to Iraq in 2018-2019.

Todd performed significant acts as the former group superintendent for the 370th Expeditionary Advisory Group, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing in Baghdad, Iraq, while engaging against opposing armed forces from Jan. 23, 2018 to Jan. 28, 2019.

Todd said, to him personally, the Bronze Star was not for one moment, but the overall performance in Baghdad.

“It was actually a culmination of different events throughout the whole year I was there,” Todd said. “Yes, we did get shot at while we were flying around and in our locations we received (indirect fire), up to 122 millimeter mortars so it was interesting, but it wasn’t a single event.”

Todd went on explaining how his team’s demeanor and preparedness during operations made his job seem almost tranquil.

“There were points where we could literally see the Iraqi militia staring at us directly with their rifles,” Todd said. “They were waiting for something to happen, but our Airmen were so well conditioned and trained for that particular environment that we knew exactly what to do and who had whose back.”

Todd said although his job was listed as being a superintendent, the Airmen and others in the squadron acted as if Todd was the command chief. He served under Maj. Gen. Andrew Croft, 12th Air Force, Air Combat Command commander as a senior enlisted advisor, he said.

Todd said he was humbled to be recognized for his meritorious actions while on deployment, but his main concern was ensuring the Airmen around him were acknowledged as well, he said.

“My focus, a lot of times, was trying to make sure my Airmen were recognized appropriately,” Todd said. “I had two very strong superintendents that were nominated for the Bronze Star. … For me, I would rather have them have the Bronze Stars than myself.”

Lt. Col. Michael Kovalchek, 332nd Recruiting Squadron commander, said he was grateful to be given the chance to pin Todd with his Bronze Star.

When asked about Todd’s character and personality, Kovalchek said Todd has a very compassionate heart and cares about each Airman, but he is an old-school chief.

“He wears that external-chief crust, if you will, and uses it as a tool,” he said. “He’s the kind of guy that can chew you out in a room, but when you leave you’re a much better person. He’s very approachable and jokes around a lot.”

When asked how much the medal presentation meant to Kovalchek, he said it was his honor and privilege.

“For me, personally, that’s the first person I’ve had the opportunity to pin a Bronze Star on,” he said. “He was clearly in harm’s way and clearly impacting change overseas, trying to build relationships with our partners. So to have that opportunity to present such a prestigious award is very special and also very humbling.”