94th Security Forces Commander Receives Bronze Star

by Senior Airman Danielle Purnell
94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs,

"I am truly humbled by these honors," Lt. Col. Timothy Martz said. "I simply represented my squadron and my family to the best of my ability."

Martz, commander of the 94th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron, sat at his desk. A bronze star medal sat in front of him. Beside it laid a medal from the Republic of Bulgaria. He gazed straight ahead and thought retrospectively.

During the past several months Martz deployed for the third time of his military career, this time serving as the chief of base security and base security group commander at the largest NATO base in the world in Kandahar, Afghanistan. There he led more than 700 troops from nine countries and was responsible for the security of at least 30,000 personnel.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service.

Martz was one of three members from the NATO Headquarters for Kandahar Airfield to be nominated for commendable work. He said wasn't expecting this level of recognition and that his troops were key to his success.

"I was so fortunate to have highly trained and motivated forces, the best from nine different countries, who were dedicated to completing the mission at all costs," he said.

He also highlighted the importance of representing his home unit, which was awarded the .

"I am the commander of an awarded winning unit," said Martz. "I have to practice what I preach and represent my unit and uphold the standards that we established."

Martz said he was caught by surprise when he received an additional award. He was the only servicemember to be awarded by the Bulgarian Minister of Defense for his leadership and support of the 295 Bulgarian troops, the largest contingent under Martz's direction.

Martz faced several challenges during the more than six months he was deployed. His base security group was responsible for protecting and defending a strategic NATO hub during the height of the fighting season in Southern Afghanistan. He also had to overcome the challenges of working in a multi-national environment.

"I had to draw upon all the leadership principles that I had in my tool kit to lead in such a complex, dynamic and extremely diverse area of operation," he said.

There were also several takeaways Martz was able to bring back home to and to his family.

"Leadership and great people are keys to success in any mission," he said. "On a personal level, the deployment served to reinforce what is truly important in my life—God and family."

Martz said receiving the Bronze Star medal was only a byproduct of this.