Senate honors Purple Heart recipients at State Capitol
Senator Wolk leads floor ceremony for Travis Airmen injured while serving in Afghanistan
SACRAMENTO—The State Senate, led by Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis), honored three Purple Heart recipients from Travis Air Force Base at the State Capitol today. Tech. Sgt. Ronnie Brickey, Staff Sgt. David Adkins, and Staff Sgt. Brian Buhrer, all 60th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight members, were honored for wounds they sustained from close-proximity improvised explosive device (IED) blasts during combat missions in Afghanistan.
“To help save the lives of others, these men put their own lives in jeopardy. They have sacrificed for all of us, and it’s important that we recognize their bravery and valor,” said Wolk, who has represented Travis since she was elected to the State Legislature in 2002. “It’s an honor to represent these Airmen, the thousands of brave men and women stationed at Travis Air Force Base, and their families.”
Brickey and Adkins received their injuries on July 17, 2011, while responding to cries for help from soldiers injured by the detonation of an IED, which killed one and injured four. The two were working to clear the area for the safe evacuation of casualties, when a large IED was set off nearby, fatally wounding one and injuring seven, including Adkins and Brickey.
Buhrer was wounded on November 3, 2011. While on a patrol to clear a route of IEDs in preparation for a ground combat mission, his vehicle was hit by a large IED explosion.
“It’s an honor to be recognized,” said Buhrer. “There are so many people still out there serving our country and we will continue to keep them in our thoughts."
“We’re lucky to be able to come home to our family and friends,” added Adkins. “Some don’t make it home."
Brickey was unable to attend the ceremony.
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States armed forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy, or posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who were killed in action or died of wounds received in action.
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