FORNEY, Texas — A 2014 Forney High School graduate earned the Air Force Achievement Medal for actions he took in July during a security breach at an $18 billion weapons storage area at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey — becoming one of the youngest airmen to receive the medal in such a short amount of time from enlistment.
FORNEY, Texas — A 2014 Forney High School graduate earned the Air Force Achievement Medal for actions he took in July during a security breach at an $18 billion weapons storage area at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey — becoming one of the youngest airmen to receive the medal in such a short amount of time from enlistment.
“Airman Johnathan F. Bridger distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Internal Security Response Team Member, 39th Security Forces Squadron, 39th Mission Support Group, 39th Air Base Wing, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey,” read the medal certificate signed by USAF 39th Air Base Wing Commander Colonel Craig D. Willis.
On the night of July 20, 2015, Bridger observed an unauthorized individual attempting to jump the fence line to the Vault Storage Area which housed “critical North Atlantic Treaty Organization protection Level One resources.”
“During this period, Airmen Bridger demonstrated exceptional command and control during the Restricted Area security incident,” stated the certificate.
Bridger, according to his father Kevin Bridger, chased the individual on foot and over an inner-perimeter fence where he detained him. From there, Bridger directed his patrol partner as overwatch until additional American and Turkish security personnel arrived.
The certificate goes on to say Bridger coordinated sweeps of 25 Protective Aircraft Shelters and reestablished critical security of the $18 billion facilities.
Military personnel believe the individual may have been testing the security response at the facility which is in an area of heightened security threats with Turkey recently expanding its role in the fight against Islamic State militants in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Turkey allowed the U.S. military to expand the use of Incirlik for jet and drone missions where the U.S. recently stationed six F-16 Fighting Falcons combat jets.
Kevin, a Rowlett Police Department officer and Army veteran, said Jonathan has always wanted to be in the military and has his sights set on law enforcement. Bridger enlisted while in high school and left for basic training a month after graduation.
“As a father, I’m very proud of him,” said Kevin.