Brig. Gen. Niel E. Nelson pins the Bronze Star onto Capt. Aaron F. Fisher during an award ceremony at the 9th Engineer Support Battalion physical training field at Camp Hansen. (Photo courtesy of Encompass Digital Media)

By Stephanie Pawlowski

BLOOMINGTON - A soldier from Bloomington has been awarded a Bronze Star for his efforts during a seven month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Capt. Aaron Fisher was awarded the Bronze Star during a ceremony at the 9th Engineer Support Battalion physical training field at Camp Hansen in Japan Sept. 5.

Fisher served as the company commander of Engineer Support Company, 9th ESB, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. His company played a key role in the completion of more than 45 different engineering projects including more than 60 kilometers of new route construction, survivability improvements, patrol base development and enhancement, combat patrol security and general engineering efforts at outposts across Helmand province.

Fisher led several important projects, but commanded two critical and especially challenging missions. His company constructed a land bridge, known as Route Red Wadi Crossing, to ensure the main supply route remained open following the winter thaw. Additionally, his company built Route Tiffany providing a resupply access route to a remote forward operating base.

“It’s a big testament to all the work the Marines did through his leadership and guidance,” said Chief Warrant Officer Joshua R. Ashworth, the motor transport maintenance officer for the battalion. “I would definitely deploy with him again.”

Fisher is a graduate of Bloomington High School and Illinois State University. His parents live in Clinton and Bloomington and he is married to his high school sweetheart. Together they have five sons.

Stephanie Pawlowski can be reached at Stephanie.Pawlowski@Cumulus.com.