45th CPTS Airman Awarded Bronze Star Medal

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dalton Williams
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Master Sgt. Racquel Farquharson, 45th Comptroller Squadron financial operations flight chief, was presented with the Bronze Star Medal, January 10, 2020, for meritorious achievement during her deployment.

When reading the citation, it’s clear why.

During her deployment, Farquharson alternated between Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, and Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, while spearheading projects and leading Airmen.

She provided fiscal oversight and management of a 15 million dollar budget which enabled 5,700 combat sorties, airlift of 13,500 tons of cargo and 26,200 passengers. She advocated for and acquired end of year funds and also composed a 2020 fiscal year budget execution plan.

There are many other reasons listed in Farquharson’s Bronze Star Medal citation that clearly state why she is deserving of this recognition, but there are things that can’t fit on a citation.

Behind each of these sentences is hours upon hours of Farquharson’s hard work and determination.

She credits the roles and responsibilities of others during her deployment such as Security Forces and the Marines for fueling her determination and drive.

“They’re out there doing this, so why shouldn’t I be doing my little part as best as I can,” said Farquharson. “There was no room for me to not do the best possible job I could to support these people.”

When she heard that Farquharson was being awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Tech Sgt. Alicia Simmons, 45th Comptroller Squadron financial analysis noncommissioned officer in charge, said she wasn’t surprised.

“She’s completely selfless,” said Simmons. “Everyone and everything comes before her and she’s always been that way. A lot of people go to her for mentorship because of her character.”

When talking about what led to a Bronze Star, Farquharson is always quick to redirect the spotlight onto others.

“The reason why this happened or the reason why I’m anywhere in my career is because of the assistance that I’ve had over the years from my leadership, all my commanders, supervisors, peers and people I’ve supervised,” said Farquharson. “I’ve learned so much from them and I will continue to say that.”

After Master Sgt. Farquharson was presented with the Bronze Star, she took a brief moment.

“Speech!” yelled an Airman in the room.

Farquharson, holding her citation in her hand, looked across the room at the Airmen in the audience.

“This belongs to all of us,” said Farquharson.

 

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