Saturday, November 08, 2008

Hero: Tech Sgt. Christopher J. Frost




Christopher J. Frost

On May 18, 2008, while conducting a counter-improvised explosive device mission in Iraq, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher J. Frost was seriously wounded when the vehicle in which he was riding struck a large, buried IED.

“The explosion severely injured three personnel and killed one,” Frost said. “I lost my right leg below the knee, sustained severe injuries to my left foot and ankle and broke the orbit of my right eye. Other than losing my right leg, the physical therapy I need for my left foot, and learning to use a prosthetic, I do not feel that my injury has changed me. I did not suffer a brain injury, nor do I suffer from any [post-traumatic stress disorder].”

As Weapons Intelligence Flight team leader for Weapons Intelligence Team 1, Multi-National Division – North Weapons Intelligence Section, in Joint Task Force Troy at Forward at Operating Base Brassfield-Mora, Iraq, from Dec. 9, 2007, to May 20, 2008, Frost is described as providing “flawless” support to the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, and associated units.

When he first arrived in Iraq, Frost was directly responsible for the acquisition, distribution and maintenance of more than $2 million worth of technical exploitation and force protection equipment. His efforts resulted in the overwhelming success of more than 400 combat missions conducted in the most lethal area of Iraq’s Salahuddin province.

Despite his injuries, Frost plans to remain in the Air Force for seven more years until retirement. He also plans on keeping his Air Force specialty code of 3E871, explosive ordnance disposal.

Frost is in the process of moving from the Royal Air Force base at Lakenheath, England, to his next assignment at the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and plans to re-enlist in December. “I strongly believe in the mission that the Air Force and the other services are performing in assisting Iraqi government, military and civilian forces in brining peace, stability and eventually renewed prosperity to Iraq,” he said.

Frost currently is an outpatient staying at the Mologne House at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., recovering from his injuries.






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