WAVE 3 TV Louisville, KY | Local Air Force nurse receives Bronze Star for performance under fire

Local Air Force nurse receives Bronze Star for performance under fire

By Marisela Burgos - bio | email
Posted by Charles Gazaway - email

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - An Air Force nurse from Kentuckiana received a Bronze Star for her bravery during war. From April 2008 until November 2008, while 53-year-old Major Kenny Harryman was deployed in Afghanistan, she left her bunker while her base was under attack to help save the lives of her comrades. During those months, Harryman performed 375 surgeries on wounded troops, civilians, Afghan National Army and Police.

"I don't think I did anything different than anybody else," said Harryman. "We all did what we were trained to do. [We did] what our job was and I think everyone that goes over there deserves it."

Harryman said the majority of the people that were taken to the hospital suffered injuries from an IED blast. While it has been more than a year since she performed those surgeries, Harryman remembered them clearly. She said there were about 50 other staff members working and the surgical teams had to perform abdominal surgery, amputations, insert plates and screws and straighten people's bones.

"It makes me feel good to know that we saved people," Harryman said. "Their lives may be changed because of an amputation or whatever, but they still have their life."

Thanksgiving night, Harryman flew in from Germany, where she is currently stationed, carrying her Bronze Star with her. Harryman's family told us they are proud of her.

"I never would have thought this would have been her at this time in her life. But I'm very proud of her," said Kathleen Mullins of her brave mother.

Harryman's military career spans over 16 years and she does not think she will retire for another eight.

Harryman received her bronze star in September, but the official ceremony will not be until the beginning of next year.

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