Edwards Airman receives second Bronze Star Medal

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A 95th Civil Engineering and Transportation Directorate Explosive Ordnance Division superintendent received his second Bronze Star Medal for his performance during a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom -- 10 months after receiving his first. 

Master Sgt. David Larriva was awarded the medal after serving as the 447th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight chief of operations for Sather Air Base and Camp Taji in Iraq from Nov. 18, 2007, to April 10. 

"This is a tremendous honor," said Sergeant Larriva. "Everything that happens doesn't happen alone. It happens because of the people you work with." 

The sergeant received his medal during a ceremony Aug. 27 at the Civil Engineer Conference Room here. In addition, Sergeant Larriva received a Meritorious Service Medal for his actions as team chief of a U.S. Secret Service explosive detection team during a national convention for President George Bush. He also received an Air Force Combat Action Medal during his deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom from July 17, 2006, to Feb. 24, 2007. 

"I am proud of Sergeant Larriva," said Col. Jerry Gandy, 95th Air Base Wing commander, who presented the awards to Sergeant Larriva. "It is one thing to go in with weapons to do our business, but it is another to go with tools to prevent other people from doing it. It takes a lot of courage to do what he did." 

During Sergeant Larriva's deployment, he relocated five explosive ordnance division teams and support personnel from Sather AB to Camp Taji in order to maintain EOD operational capabilities across the Iraqi theater. Under his leadership, his team performed more than 100 combat missions under the constant threat of insurgent attacks. 

Sergeant Larriva said he couldn't have achieved his accomplishments if not for his CE team and his family. 

"I would like to thank my EOD team," he said. "They've proven themselves day in and day out, here and in deployed locations. Also, I give thanks to my CE family, knowing the folks we worked with supports us here and while we are deployed. Lastly, I would like to thank my wife, Diana, for being there for me, in every deployment, remote tour and just about every day." 

On Oct. 9, 2007, Sergeant Larriva received his first Bronze Star Medal for his performance during his deployment from Aug. 1, 2006, through Jan. 17, 2007.