ALEX HARRIS
(Nominated by Dominick Stokes)
Hines Veteran Affairs Hospital
May 3, 2011
Alex is an American hero for many reasons. In the United States Air Force, Alex was assigned to the 824th Security Forces Squadron, 820th Security Forces Group. This specialized unit trained to conduct rapid deployment missions to protect US Air Force assets in combat zones, providing a unique mission of combat ready squadrons. Alex initially was trained as a heavy weapons gunner and in 2005, deployed to Kirkuk Iraq for six months. In Iraq He was a .50cal turret gunner for the Air base’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and conducted missions to eliminate anti-coalition forces before they could launch indirect fire onto the base. Upon return from Iraq, Alex trained as the squadron Radio Telephone Operator, a vital position to ensure communication is established to all ground combat Security Forces at deployed locations. Alex was assigned as a Fire team member for the Security Forces squadron. He was deployed again to Kirkuk, Iraq from December 2009 – June 2010 alongside his wife Nicole, also a USAF Security Forces member. Alex is now a Special Agent with the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, where he investigates and prevents fraud, waste and abuse in SSA Programs. In addition, Alex is a strong supporter of American made products.
