National Guard firefighters earn recognition

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Members of an Idaho National Guard firefighting unit were recognized for their yearlong deployment in Iraq, including eight soldiers who received a Bronze Star for outstanding service.

The 938th Engineer Detachment, a firefighting unit, was called to active duty in February 2003. After training in Washington state for three months, members were shipped overseas to serve in Mosul, Iraq.

They returned to Idaho in March.

The unit battled 150 fires in Iraq and responded to more than 250 calls, a spokesman for the National Guard said.

At a ceremony at the Idaho Falls armory on Sunday, Brig. Gen. Larry Lafrenz recounted specific acts of heroism by some members of the unit, including rescuing soldiers from a fiery helicopter crash and responding to a fire and explosion at an ammunition depot.

“A big thank you from a grateful nation and a grateful state,” Lafrenz said.

Eight soldiers received Bronze Stars for heroic or meritorious achievement in action; another eight earned Army Commendation Medals for heroism or meritorious achievement or service; 20 earned Meritorious Service Medals for outstanding noncombat meritorious achievement; and all 24 members of the detachment received Freedom Salute Awards for “responding to the nation’s call to duty.”

The unit was led by Capt. Leon Pruett, who received all four awards. Spc. Jay Parris was awarded the title Firefighter of the Year.

Lafrenz also thanked the scores of family members present for their sacrifices.

“You guys endured a lot and, in my eyes, family members, you guys are true heroes.”

Lafrenz also asked the audience to remember the more than 2,000 members of the 116th Cavalry Brigade now training in Texas for a yearlong deployment beginning this fall.

“Pray for their families and loved ones who are now going through what you went through a year and a half ago.”