Tech. Sgt. Scott Innis is pictured during his 2006 deployment to Afghanistan. During this deployment, Sergeant Innis served as a joint terminal air controller attached to an Army special forces team. He is a combat controller with the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. One day, his team's forward-operating base came under heavy enemy fire. Sergeant Innis risked his life by climbing up a small, wooden observation tower in the middle of the base in order to direct close-air support against the enemy. Despite making himself a magnet for bullets and rocket-propelled grenades, the combat controller stayed in the tower for 24 hours directing fire, resulting in the elimination of more than 100 enemy fighters. Sergeant Innis was presented a Silver Star Dec. 18 for his actions that day in Afghanistan. (Courtesy photo)