BAGRAM AIRBASE, Afghanistan - An Essex man in the Missouri Army National Guard was awarded the Bronze Star Medal during ceremonies last month at Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan.

Sgt. 1st Class Robert E. Myers, Jr.  of Essex is assigned to the St. Louis-based 1138th Transportation Company, which is about to conclude a 10-month convoy operations mission throughout Afghanistan.

In the award certificate from Army Secretary John M. McHugh, Myers is cited for his exceptional meritorious service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and his outstanding performance and dedication to duty and to the success of the unit's mission. 

"The distinct accomplishments of Sgt. 1st Class Myers reflect great credit upon himself, the 1138th Transportation Company, Task Force 142, the 10th Sustainment Brigade, Joint Sustainment Command-Afghanistan and the United States Army," the certificate read.

As part of Task Force 142, the 1138th conducted more than 90 convoy missions covering an individual combined total of 847,000 miles, delivering critical supplies valued at $2.7 billion to forward operating bases across austere and treacherous terrain. In addition, the unit escorted more than 4,900 Afghan national trucks carrying critical vehicles and equipment in support of units throughout eastern Afghanistan and helped dispose of unused ammunition.

Prior to the unit's deployment, soldiers of the 1138th underwent two months of intensive convoy operations and combat training in Missouri, Kansas and Texas.

The 1138th Transportation Company is headquartered at historic Jefferson Barracks in south St. Louis County and is a subordinate unit of the 311th Brigade Support Battalion, based in Lexington.

The unit is now in Texas and is scheduled to return to St. Louis on Saturday.