Tuskegee Airman of the Week Dec. 26, 2010 – Jan. 1, 2011.

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Staff Sgt. James Mason, 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron immediate response force leader, treated a one-year-old local national with second and third degree burns over 40 percent of its body. For his efforts, the Ashby, Mass., native was named Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Dec. 26, 2010 – Jan. 1, 2011. Sergeant Mason is deployed from Royal Air Force Croughton, United Kingdom. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Tong Duong)

422 SFS Staff Sgt. recognized at Joint Base Balad

Published Jan. 11, 2011
By Senior Airman Tong Duong
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Expeditionary security forces squadron members are highly skilled individuals who train to defend, protect and save lives. One 532nd ESFS member recently put his life-saving care training into practice.

Staff Sgt. James Mason, 532nd ESFS immediate response force leader treated a one-year-old local national with second and third degree burns over 40 percent of its body. For his efforts, he was named the Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Dec. 26, 2010 - Jan. 1, 2011.

Sergeant Mason's efforts stabilized the patient until emergency medical services arrived.

"It was a great feeling to be able to keep the kid from going into shock," the Ashby, Mass., native said. "The medical care we provide influences the local nationals' opinion of coalition forces."

Sergeant Mason, who is a mid-shift worker, was lauded for his work by 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander, Col. Christopher Craige.

"Many times we'll hear medical emergency (members) responding to an incident at one of the entry control points, or of potential bomb threats coming on base. These are the guys who are out in front making it happen," Colonel Craige said. "Talk about the huge responsibilities that are resting on our (noncommissioned officers) at two or three in the morning."

Sergeant Mason's duties require him to defend the entry control point and respond to direct and indirect fire incidents. In his five months here, Sergeant Mason implemented more than 56 random anti-terrorism measures and deterred insurgent acts through active patrolling.

"It motivates and keeps me very much engaged - the trust that we have with our brothers and sisters on the line every day," Colonel Craige said of the sergeant's actions. "It's a great testament of your leadership to put you up for this award and showcase what you have been doing for JBB."

Sergeant Mason is deployed from Royal Air Force Croughton, United Kingdom.