Master Sgt. Troy Lundquist

Master Sgt. Troy Lundquist, working as a quick reaction force controller in Afghanistan last year, rushed close-air support to help soldiers when their helicopter was hit by enemy fire. His swift response allowed the helicopter to be recovered and the soldiers' infiltration mission to continue.

On his deployment, Lundquist taught emergency close-air support to more than 200 troops from five countries.

When Lundquist saw that a fellow NCO was breaking down professionally and personally, he encouraged the NCO, made sure he had counseling, adjusted his workload and helped restore the NCO to his unit.

At his base in Italy, Lundquist mentored junior high and high school students, volunteered as a sports umpire and hosted an Independence Day celebration for Italians in his village.