By
Tara Madden
Major Todd Abshire is an instructor pilot for the U.S. Air Force, and he’s a good one.
On Oct. 14 he was recognized for meritorious service and received two Air Medals for distinctive accomplishments while serving as an air advisor while deployed in Afghanistan.
The awards were pinned on his uniform by Maj. Gen. Arnold Bunch Jr. in front of friends and family at the Air Force Test Center at the Edwards Air Force Base in southern California.
“Teaching a country’s first instructor pilot; think about that. That’s amazing,” said Maj. Gen. Arnold Bunch Jr., AFTC commander in an article by Air Force Print News. “Major Abshire served as a great ambassador of the United States. For that, I thank you.”
According to his award citations, he distinguished himself while participating in sustained aerial flight as a C-208 instructor pilot advisor from Oct. 5, 2013- Jan. 4, 2014 and then a second deployment from Jan. 9 to May 14 as a C-209 Evaluator pilot advisor.
“During these periods his professional skill and devotion to duty directly contributed to national security objectives by flying missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to the article. He routinely flew demanding missions in extremely mountainous terrain and well within the engagement zone of enemy surface to air threats transporting personnel, conducting life saving casualty evacuations and combat missions. He advised nine C-208 pilots on tactics, techniques and procedures,” according to the citations.
According to AFTC, the Air Medal was established by executive order in 1942. It was awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Armed Forces of the United States, shall have distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight, according to the release. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or heroism, or for meritorious service.
“Todd has always wanted to fly. Even his sixth grade yearbook predicted that he would become an Air Force pilot. He has been deployed several times, including both Iraq and Afghanistan. I appreciate those who continue to pray for his safety and to send him goodie boxes from home,” said his mother Jean Abshire. “His wife, Kim, also should be recognized for her service as a waiting spouse, parenting their three children. I’m proud of Todd and all those who make sacrifices for our great country.”
Abshire is the son of Jean Ririe Abshire (Osage) and the late Major William Abshire. His father was an Army helicopter pilot who served two tours in Vietnam. Todd was born in Fort Sill, Okla., while his dad was stationed there.
Abshire’s uncle, Ed Ririe (Osage) served in the Air Force and currently owns Keepsake Candles in Bartlesville. His grandfather Otis Edward Ririe was an original Osage allotee as was his mother Josephine Chouteau Ririe.
Original Publish Date: 2014-11-06 00:00:00
