TIMONIUM, Md. (AP) - A Maryland veteran has received a Bronze Star after waiting for the award for more than five years.
Maryland Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger presented the Bronze Star to retired Chief Master Sgt. Scott Wallace of Parkville on Monday, just in time for Veterans Day.
The congressman's office says Wallace served six years in Afghanistan with the Air National Guard, and that every other member of his team got recognition awards upon their return home in 2009. Wallace's medal, however, was lost in transit.
Ruppersberger's office says Wallace, a civil engineer, oversaw 70 projects worth $34 million that "greatly improved" security at a military base in Afghanistan. They say he also taught local craftsmen construction skills to help them rebuild their country and government.
