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125th Special Tactics Squadron briefs leaders at ANGRC

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Marvin R. Preston
  • Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Members of the 125th Special Tactics Squadron from the Oregon Air National Guard gave senior leaders at the Air National Guard Readiness Center here a glimpse into their mission capabilities during a familiarization briefing April 23.

The briefing focused on the unit's service since its inception and combat action during a recent deployment that resulted in several Airmen assigned to 125th STS being awarded with a Silver Star and Bronze Star medals.

"We were honored and grateful for the opportunity to share our story," said Maj. Tarek J. Awada, commander of the 125th STS. "TSgt Matthews' achievements personified the squadron's 7-year involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also gave us a venue to highlight Special Tactics' contributions in other areas."

On Nov. 27, 2012, the vehicle Tech. Sgt. Douglas J. Matthews, a Combat Controller from the 125th STS was riding in struck an improvised explosive device, triggering a coordinated ambush near Jalrez, Wardak province, Afghanistan. Despite being ejected from the vehicle, and sustaining head injuries and multiple lacerations, Matthews immediately came to his feet and faced small-arms fire from 12 different enemy fighting positions, some as close as 30 meters.

Although seriously wounded, Matthews returned fire and made his way back to the overturned vehicle to aid his wounded teammates. He located his team leader, who was ejected from the vehicle and seriously wounded, and moved him to safety while continuing to exchange fire with the enemy. As his Special Forces teammates regrouped, Matthews coordinated close air support and medical evacuation for the wounded. Despite being exposed to enemy fire, he continued to direct close air support, which eventually repelled the enemy.

The Airmen recognized during the ceremony held at Camp Withyacombe, Oregon, March 24 were Matthews with the Silver Star; Staff Sgt. Matthew Matlock with the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and second Oak Leaf Cluster; Staff Sgt. Christopher Jones with the Bronze Star with Valor and first Oak Leaf Cluster; and Tech. Sgt. George Thompson with the Bronze Star.

The 125th STS was officially established on May 1, 2005, and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The 125th Special Tactics Squadron has 79 members made up of Combat Controllers, Special Operations Weathermen, and numerous support positions. Members of the unit undergo a rigorous two-year training program where they graduate as combat divers, military free-fall and static-line parachutists and are trained to operate in any environment in the world.

The 125th STS has deployed domestically in support of recovery efforts after natural disasters including Hurricanes Ike, Katrina, and Sandy, California wildfires, and other homeland operations.

The Airmen from the 125th STS were invited by the ANG Legislative Liaison office.

For a more in-depth story see http://www.ang.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123404787