Medical Airman's heroism lands her in 'Portraits in Courage' Published Aug. 22, 2012 By Nathan Simmons Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- When a forward operating base in Afghanistan was attacked Aug. 28, 2011, an Airman's heroism and leadership resulted in the timely treatment of 75 active duty casualties -- all of whom lived to tell their stories. Tech. Sgt. Vanessa Bibb, a unit training manager for the 59th Medical Wing assigned to the San Antonio Military Medical Center, volunteered in November 2010 to deploy to Afghanistan in June 2011. While deployed, she was requested by name to be the immunizations noncommissioned officer in charge for Forward Operating Base Smart and its four detachments. When FOB Smart was attacked, enemy insurgents detonated a 400 pound vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, and followed with multiple rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. Moments after the attack, Bibb facilitated the treatment of 75 active duty International Security Assistance Force members, 14 of which were critically wounded. "Our building looked like a tornado had gone through it, and we had several guys who were critically wounded," Bibb said. "At that point, you have to put your emotions aside and give them the best care you possibly can." This wasn't the last intense episode Bibb would face, as her courage would be tested again throughout her deployment. Bibb then became the lead medic assisting special forces personnel, who were conducting counterinsurgency and village stabilization missions. While conducting operations, Bibb's position came under enemy fire. She directed villagers to take cover, and provided security to roughly 20 local elders and coalition force members. Several days later, a fire broke out inside the housing area that contained more than 100 Romanian Army personnel. Bibb quickly responded, directing the evacuation of 26 casualties, while simultaneously helping extinguish the fire. No lives were lost. "The fire was a big surprise to all of us, because we were winding down from a long day. When we heard about it, we grabbed extinguishers and began to put it out," Bibb said. "It engulfed four huge tents, but I was the only medic in the camp, so I had to stop and treat the people with burns and smoke inhalation." For her distinguished service as a combat medic, Bibb was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Army Combat Medical Badge, and the Army Combat Action Badge. Bibb was one of 20 Airmen selected to be featured in the seventh volume of the Air Force Chief of Staff's "Portraits in Courage." She demonstrated what the Air Force's "Portraits in Courage" embodies -- leadership and valor while defending our nation. Bibb was one of five "Portraits in Courage" heroes chosen to participate in sporting events, special tours, a heroes' luncheon and other activities during Air Force Week, Aug. 19-21 in New York City.