Ruppersberger Presents Bronze Star to Local Veteran

(Timonium, MD) – Just in time for Veterans Day, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) today presented a Bronze Star Medal to a local veteran who has waited more than five years to receive his award. Parkville resident retired Chief Master Sergeant Scott Wallace served six months in Afghanistan and, while every other member of his team received their recognition awards upon their return home in 2009, his was lost in transit.

The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth-highest individual military award. It is awarded for acts of heroism, acts of merit, or meritorious service in a combat zone.

“Today, Maryland is home to one more distinguished Bronze Star Medal recipient,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “This recognition is long overdue. Retired Chief Master Sergeant Scott Wallace’s service and sacrifice for our country exemplifies all that is great about America. He has demonstrated remarkable commitment and patience and it is an honor to share his story this Veterans Day.”

Chief Wallace is a civil engineer who deployed with the Air National Guard to Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, for 6 months starting in July 2008. There, he served as a construction superintendent who oversaw 70 projects worth $34 million on the base, home to 3,000 soldiers. The projects – which included five guard towers and paving roads into steep hillside, greatly improved security to the base.

His expertise in contract negotiating saved the U.S. taxpayers $150,000. He also taught local craftsmen about the basics of road construction and concrete finishing, a critical part of our country’s mission to help the people of Afghanistan rebuild their country and their government.