Senior Master Sgt. Rex Temple

Born in Scullton, Pa.

Temple was struck by how simple the request was: The 8-year-old Afghan boy wanted a pen from him.

The boy inspired Temple, with the help of his wife at home in Tampa, Fla., to coordinate a school supply drive for the children of Afghanistan.

Schools, universities, churches and civic groups in 12 states donated more than 700 boxes of pens, paper and stuffed toys.

And it was Temple who spearheaded a plan that transformed an unused mosque into a library.

Throughout his yearlong deployment, Temple gave a "voice and a face" to countless U.S. military members through weekly radio stories that aired on the Tampa National Public Radio affiliate, said Earl Quenneville, who listened to the reports and nominated Temple. Temple also wrote a blog of his experiences that received the 2010 MilBlog award for the Air Force category.

In the war zone, Temple served as convoy commander, gunner or driver in 180 mounted combat-patrol missions and led a nine-man team against an insurgent ambush during a humanitarian mission. He received the Bronze Star for his actions.

"One villager at a time, he has shown the Afghan people America's compassion, strength, sacrifice and generosity," said Joseph Burns, who worked with Temple at 6th Air Mobility Wing.