Airey NCO Academy dedicates final room to heroic Reservist

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alex Echols
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Airey NCO Academy class 13-3 dedicated their Guardian Flight room to Master Sgt. Charlie Peterson, 127th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. on March 27.

According to the U.S. Defense Department website:

"During his deployment to Iraq on July 28, 2004, [Sergeant] Peterson was operating the command vehicle for a 20-vehicle supply convoy near Balad Air Base. Halfway through their transit, Peterson's vehicle was impacted by an improvised explosive device filled with ball bearings. The 18-wheel truck preceding his vehicle was also hit and immediately engulfed in flames while [Sergeant] Peterson's vehicle was left inoperable and without communications.

"Despite taking shrapnel and glass to his head and left arm, [Sergeant] Peterson egressed the command vehicle, obtained medical status of his convoy commander and gunner who were in the same vehicle, secured the perimeter, and the team used a global positioning system to notify the battle staff of the enemy engagement. The convoy was rerouted to a safe zone where [Sergeant] Peterson was medically evacuated by helicopter to receive treatment for his wounds."

Tech. Sgt. Michelle Miller, Class 13-3's Academy Special Activity Committee director, spearheaded the dedication ceremony.

"As members of the ASAC, we were tasked with dedicating the Guardian Flight to a deserving enlisted hero as our legacy gift," said Sergeant Miller. "There were many honorable and extraordinary names suggested, but ultimately, we made the best choice. Master Sgt. Charlie Peterson exemplifies bravery, courage, honor and service before self."

Sergeant Peterson is one of the first Reservists to receive a Purple Heart. He is also the first Reservist to receive the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

"This event could not have been possible without my committee, the Guardian Flight, and Tech. Sgt. Kraudy for your dedication and commitment to help transform the flight room to what you see here today," Sergeant Miller said. "Thank you again."

The renaming of the Guardian Flight room marks the 13th and final room reassignment the Airey NCO Academy has dedicated to outstanding enlisted service members. In doing so, they have ensured that these 13 excellent Airmen's legacies will continue live on within the walls of the Academy and the hearts of those that attend it.