Centurion wins Pitsenbarger Award

Published March 17, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
325th Fighter Wing oublic Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Air Education and Training Command recently announced a Tyndall Centurion as the recipient for the 2010 Air Force Sergeant's Association Pitsenbarger Award for his heroic acts that resulted in the saving of lives.

Senior Airman Jon C. Gally, 325th Security Forces Squadron Community Police, was deployed for 365 days to Camp Striker, Iraq, where he also received a Purple Heart.

Airman Gally volunteered for the year-long deployment and has admitted to learning a lot from the Middle Eastern people.

"You learn a lot of patience while you are deployed," said Airman Gally. "Their culture and their lifestyle are completely different from here."

He has been serving in the United States Air Force for almost four years and recently was given orders to Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, his base of preference.

Airman Gally looks forward to the move; however, he said he will miss his squadron here.

"The greatest benefit of being here is the camaraderie," said Airman Gally. "Everyone in the unit is so tight knit."

Airmen at the squadron look up to Airman Gally.

"It is a pleasure and a privilege to know an Airman of such high caliber," said Airman 1st Class Sarah Adams, 325th Security Forces Squadron Community Police. "He sacrificed a year of his life to the service of his country."

For the full story of Airman Gally's deployment click here.