The Story:
When then-Master Sgt. Veresko arrived at Baghdad International Airport in April 2003, less than a month had passed since Coalition forces had taken control of the airfield. The newly renamed airport was a hub of activity--a central artery for materiel and manpower entering the war zone. As such, it was also a central target for enemy forces. Veresko was tasked with coordinating and managing the safe arrival and departure of all planes. Even as enemy forces repeatedly assailed the area with bombs and mortar attacks, Veresko not only sustained airfield operations, but increased them--which helped boost numerous humanitarian missions. In a short period of time, he oversaw the movement of an astounding 9.4 million pounds of war material and 24,800 war fighters. Veresko also used his knowledge to survey and help secure other airports in hostile sections of Iraq. For his work, Veresko received the Bronze Star on Dec. 5, 2004.