U.S Air Force Master Sgt. Alexander Arias, 35th Logistics Squadron, Section Chief, Maintenance Support Liaison, is awarded a bronze star and purple heart Jan. 28, 2011, Misawa Air Base, Japan. Sergeant Arias demonstrated the highest degree of "courage under fire" while engaging with enemy forces as a scout gunner in a coalition vehicle convoy during his deployment to Afghanistan. Despite being wounded and under direct fire, Sergeant Arias continued suppressive fire while the main body of the convoy arrived to secure the perimeter, ensuring the safety of his team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Russell McBride/Released)