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1st SOLRS Airman receives Purple Heart

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Angela Shepherd
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  An Airman from the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron received a Purple Heart during a ceremony in the vehicle maintenance bay July 8.

Senior Airman Joshua Bellin, a native of Lomira, Wis., was presented the medal by Adm. Eric T. Olson, commander of the United States Special Operations Command.

"This ceremony is to recognize a senior airman who knowingly puts himself in harm's way over and over and over again," Admiral Olson said.

The injury Airman Bellin received that led to the awarding of the Purple Heart happened during his third deployment to Iraq. On Jan. 13, 2008, Airman Bellin was traveling to a convoy support center when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. He would later be diagnosed with a concussion as a result of the blast.

"This Purple Heart we put on his chest today, in addition to his other medals, is a testament to his dedication," Admiral Olson said. "Despite the fact the vehicle was badly damaged, and despite him being injured, Airman Bellin and the Airman who was with him still managed to keep moving another two or three miles until they were out of the kill zone."

As a result of his injuries, Airman Bellin was put on light duty and restricted from completing missions for two weeks.

"Immediately after the incident, he was ready to go back out and finish the mission, even though he was medically restricted," said Master Sgt. Steven Jensen, Airman Bellin's flight sergeant in Iraq. "It was a very frustrating time for him. But once he was cleared, he got back out there and just pressed on like nothing happened."

Six months later, Airman Bellin still struggles to explain the experience.

"Words really can't describe what's happened to me," he said. "And the fact that word of my situation made it to Admiral Olson's level is very humbling. I didn't think the situation was a really big deal, so I really appreciate him coming here to present this medal to me."

Shortly before pinning the medal on Airman Bellin, Admiral Olson closed out his remarks by saying, "It's never a pleasure to award a Purple Heart, but it certainly is an honor."