2009 Colonel James Jabara Award for Airmanship

Released today by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs



Capt. Travis Burton, 81st Fighter Squadron, poses for a photo in front of A-10 79-0207 after he distinguished himself through heroic actions while serving as A-10 flight lead at Bagram AB, Afghanistan. For his actions, Captain Burton earned the 2009 Colonel James Jabara Award for Airmanship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Natividad) Hi-res

According to EXIF data, this picture was already taken on 25 January 2008.

According to the original captions, the following three associated pictures were taken at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, as Capt. Travis Burton prepares for flight on March 20th, 2009. In contrast, EXIF data shows 02 January 2008. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Staci Miller)



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Note: Elements from the 81st Fighter Squadron and support personnel were recently deployed with 13 aircraft (including 81-0207) as 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to Bagram AB, Afghanistan, for Operation Enduring Freedom as part of USAF's AEF 1/2 (Cycle 7) rotation (January - April 2008).

See: A-10 Units of Operation Enduring Freedom

Background info:

SULLENBERGER, '73 AND BURTON, '00 WIN THE 2009 JABARA AWARD
March 13, 2009

The United States Air Force Academy is proud to announce that two graduates have won the 2009 Colonel James Jabara Award for Airmanship.

[...] Captain Travis A. Burton, class of 2000, distinguished himself through heroic actions on 24 February 2008, while serving as A-10 flight lead assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany. On that night, he was tasked to provide close air support for a coalition forces convoy in the vicinity of Sangular Ghar, Afghanistan. The convoy was taking heavy and accurate small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenade fire from the enemy. Captain Burton quickly coordinated with other A-10 aircraft, F-15E aircraft and an unmanned aerial vehicle to assess the situation and formulate a plan. Rugged landscape and deteriorating weather made the task more difficult. Over the next 90 minutes, Captain Burton and other aviators repeatedly struck enemy positions until enemy fire waned. [...]

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Related links:
The Jabara Award for Airmanship (Association of Graduates, United States Air Force Academy)
Jabara Award (Wikipedia)