The Bronze Star medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in or with the military of the United States, distinguish themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.

Vice Adm. Terrance T. Etnyre, Commander, Naval Surface Forces presented the medal.

“Chief Theriault is just an example of all the men and women currently serving in our Navy today and their willingness to go and do things that are out of the ordinary,” stated Etnyre in his speech.

Theriault received the medal while serving with the 354th Civil Affairs Brigade, Multi-National Corps as the air operations officer from April 27 to Dec. 15, 2006.

“The 354th Civil Affairs Brigade was helping rebuild Iraq,” said Theriault. “We provided vital services such as electric, water, humanitarian aid and medical supplies.”

As the air operations coordinator, Theriault was responsible for coordinating, tracking, and manifesting all air movement requests in the Iraqi theater of operations for brigade headquarters resulting in over 320 successful air movements of personnel and 15 high priority cargo movements.

Theriault said it was an honor to receive this award.

“I went with 1,200 of my brethren,” stated Theriault in his speech, “I got to come home early and 10 aren’t coming home, but we all went together.”

More than 10,000 sailors are serving globally in individual augmentee billets -- pulled from their normal jobs to directly support the global war on terrorism.