Tech. Sgt. Jason Dryer, a combat controller with the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron, is pictured during the unit's recent deployment to Southwest Asia. During this deployment, the Humvee he and his Army Special Forces teammates were riding in detonated an improvised explosive device. Sergeant Dryer was thrown from the vehicle and knocked unconscious. Despite his serious injuries, the combat controller was able to return to his forward operating base to finish his rotation. Sergeant Dryer received a Purple Heart for this incident, and earned a Bronze Star with valor for his actions during a firefight with Taliban forces later in the same deployment. He was presented these medals and an Air Force Combat Action Medal during a ceremony Dec. 18 at McChord Air Force Base, Wa. (Courtesy photo)