5 soldiers being awarded for role in Iraq mission

Five soldiers with the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade are being awarded for their role in a joint operation with the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Staff Sgt. Lazaro Perez and Staff Sgt. Bryce Venem received a Bronze Star with valor device and Capt. Michael Keasler, Spc. Joshua Campbell and Pvt. Juan Alvarez received an Army Commendation Medal with valor device. All five soldiers were with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment.

The mission took place from March 17 to April 30 and helped secure an area in South Balad Ruz in northern Iraq. The area was known for supporting violent insurgents and the mission destroyed 22 bunkers and multiple weapons caches.

The operation also brought the unit 14 Combat Infantryman's Badges, seven Combat Action Badges, one Combat Medic's Badge.