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Two AFSOC Command members earn awards

  • Published
  • By Jeremy Webster
  • Air Force Special Operations Command public affairs.
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla --  Two Air Force Special Operations Command members were recently named winners of the Air Force Sergeants Association's Pitsenbarger Award and the Lance P. Sijan U. S. Air Force Leadership Award. 

Master Sgt. Patrick T. Harding, a pararescueman with the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C., was selected for the AFSA Pitsenbarger Award. Maj. James P. Hughes, now the 21st Special Tactics Squadron commander, was selected for the Lance P. Sijan Award while assigned to the 24th STS. 

The Pitsenbarger Award annually recognizes an Air Force enlisted member who has performed a heroic act, on or off duty, which resulted in the saving of life or the prevention of serious injury. 

Sergeant Harding was recognized for his actions during a recent deployment. February 8, 2008, he maneuvered through a sea of smoke and rubble to render lifesaving care after a house-borne improvised explosive device leveled the structure his team was entering. His medical training and expertise saved the lives of seven wounded special tactics operators and one military working dog. 

The Lance P. Sijan Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities. The award is presented to Airmen in four categories: senior and junior officer ranks, and senior and junior enlisted ranks. 

Major Hughes was recognized for his actions while serving as the 24th STS acting commander. During his five months tenure, he led his squadron to more than 16,000 days in combat dismantling al-Qaida forces in Iraq. He is also credited with developing his unit's budget to handle the 30 additional manpower billets his unit earned. 

"This award was a team effort and I am honored to receive this award and represent the men and women of the Air Force special operations community," said Major Hughes.
 
Sergeant Harding will be presented the Pitensbarger Award by the AFSA at the Air Force Honor Banquet, August 15 in Atlanta, Ga. Major Hughes will be presented the Sijan Award in the Air Force Chief of Staff's office at a later date.