Special agent receives BSM for efforts during deployment Published Jan. 21, 2011 By Airman David Owsianka 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- A special agent received a Bronze Star Medal at Luke Air Force Base Jan. 12 for efforts made during a six-month deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. "When I first found out that I would receive the BSM, I was in disbelief," said Nathan Hunter, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agent, after he received his medal. "It is the greatest honor of my career." The Bronze Star medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. Mr. Hunter said he received the rare medal because he collected, assessed and provided a key piece of counterintelligence data that led security forces to neutralize six additional insurgents. "The three month training I received before my deployment prepared me for my mission," he said. "It mentally prepared me to enter a war zone. After the training, I felt comfortable knowing that I had all of the tools I needed to be successful." The medal presentation showed the audience that everything Airmen do is done for a reason. It also showed how one individual's work can affect everyone. Senior Master Sgt. Robert Velez, 56th Medical Support Squadron superintendent, said it was a great honor to see Mr. Hunter receive the Bronze Star Medal. "I would be humbled and proud if I were in his situation," Sergeant Velez said. "To make that kind of an impact on fellow comrades is inspiring." Mr. Hunter's wife, Sara, said she is very proud of her husband. "Although I am a civilian and I don't have much knowledge of what the Bronze Star Medal is, I know that it is a great honor to receive it," she said. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor and devotion to duty displayed by Mr. Hunter in this position reflect greatly upon him and the Air Force, according to the medal citation. "I can't take all of the credit for the award, because it was a group effort to complete the mission," Mr. Hunter said. "It wasn't anything that I would expect to receive. The biggest reward was the amount of lives we saved."