Published: January 06, 2008 12:35 am      

914TH: Airmen honored for their service

TOWN OF NIAGARA — Master Sgt. Joseph Kinney doesn’t think he deserves a Medal with Valor for his actions on June 20 while he was stationed in Baghdad.

That’s the day he and other members of the 914th Airlift Wing saved the lives of two of their own after a rocket attack outside their building at Balad Air Base.

“I’m humbled and honored with a medal, but I wish the situation I’m receiving it for didn’t have to happen,” said Kinney, a Niagara Falls resident and firefighter. “The medal doesn’t make you a hero. To me, anybody who puts on a uniform is a hero.”

Kinney, 39, was among four airmen of the 914th honored during a formal military ceremony Saturday morning at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. He and Master Sgt. Luann Van Peursem, 50, received the Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor.

Tech. Sgts. Timothy Juliano and Steve Paddison, the two airmen injured during the events of June 20, were awarded the Purple Heart, the oldest honor given in the U.S military.

“I really didn’t think I was going to make it,” said Paddison, who suffered broken ribs and a lacerated liver along with other injuries. “(Kinney and Van Peursem) did their job and I appreciate everything they’ve done. Everybody that was there did an immaculate job. I can’t say enough about them.”

Kinney, who has served in the Air Force for 18 years, and Van Peursem are credited for putting themselves in danger to render first aid and initial medical care for Paddison, 47, and Juliano, 43, who were both seriously injured by shrapnel when the rocket exploded. They were both hospitalized at a military medical facility north of Baghdad and later transported to Landstuhl, Germany, and then transported to Walter Reed Medical Center for rehabilitation before returning home.

Both are in the process of making full recoveries and anxious to return to full duty.

“It’s the biggest thing to ever happen to me,” Juliano said about the attack and receiving the Purple Heart. “I think about it every day. If it wasn’t for people helping, I wouldn’t be alive.”

A City of Tonawanda resident, Juliano has since returned to the 914th on light duty. After serving five years in the U.S. Army, he became an airman six years ago. Paddison has served the past four years in the air force and lives in Pennsylvania. Both said they passed out after the attack and awoke later at Walter Reed Medical Center.

“It’s just awesome to see them here like this receiving the Purple Heart,” said Van Peursem, who lives in Rochester and has served in the air force for 30 years. “It’s an honor to have them back.”

The Purple Heart and Medal with Valor awards were presented by 22nd Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Martin Mazick. He said it’s the first time he gave out the decorations.

“This is probably the biggest honor of my career to come here and pin Purple Hearts and Medals with Valor on these four individuals,” said Mazick, who had a personal message for each recipient while he pinned on their commendation. “I said to them I’m extremely proud they allowed me to do this for them and that they’re heroes in my eyes because of their reaction.”

The ceremony was witnessed by the airmen’s friends and family and about 1,000 airmen stationed at the air base. Members of the families were called on stage to greet their loved ones and receive bouquets of flowers.

“It’s been pretty scary for my family,” Juliano said about his injury and the attack. “They want me to slow down a little. My mom’s kind of scared if I get deployed again.”

Col. Reinhard Schmidt, 914th Airlift Wing Commander, also recognized several other individuals who helped save Juliano and Paddison, including Tech Sgt. Raymond Ford of Buffalo, who was the first person out the door when the attack started. He pointed out the 914th has been deploying in support of the war on terror since 2001.

“Each day these brave people face danger and hardship to keep us safe at home,” Schmidt said. “Sergeants Juliano, Paddison, Van Peursem and Kinney are examples of sacrifice and professionalism.”

Paddison fought back tears while trying to describe his feelings of being awarded a Purple Heart.

“It’s a real honor, I’m proud of this country,” he said. “We all go out to fight for it.”

Contact reporter Rick Forgione

at 282-2311, ext. 2257.