San Antonio, Texas – Senior Airman Lenton Luss of Springfield, Va., who fought in Iraq in 2009 was honored with the Elizabeth N. Jacobson Award for Expeditionary Excellence for courage under fire. This honor recognizes the war fighting contributions and outstanding accomplishments of the military’s youngest warriors. The ceremony was held at the Gateway Club on Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, recently.
The moving ceremony was presided over by Lt. Gen. Loren M. Reno, deputy chief of staff for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support at the U.S. Air Force’s Washington, D.C. headquarters; and Brig. Gen. Jimmy E. McMillian, director of Security Forces.
Luss was hailed for acts of valor, including: being lead convoy driver for 250 combat missions, being a checkpoint supervisor at five election sites, thus helping ensure a 55 percent Iraqi voter turnout and security of election ballots; preserving crime scenes and training Iraqi police officers Luss’ accomplishment was celebrated by 200 fellow airmen, Air Force brass and others including his proud parents Jerry and Rhonda Luss.
Following the presentation of the award, Brig. Gen. McMillian surprised Luss by promoting him to staff sergeant. This unexpected development prompted Luss to remark: “I never thought I would be promoted by a three star general and my rank pinned on by a one star general. It was truly an honor.”