El Segundo, Calif. -- Tech. Sgt. Brad Mock, a special agent with the Office of Special Investigations, Space Base Delta (SBD) 3, Los Angeles Air Force Base, received a hero’s welcome as he entered the rink during an intermission at the Dec. 3 LA Kings vs Carolina Hurricanes hockey game.
It was a fitting tribute considering hockey fan Mock was selected as an LA Kings Hero of the Game for his military service contributions, which include being a recipient of the Bronze Star with Valor, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, and the Purple Heart for his bravery and quick response following an attack by a suicide bomber while deployed as a Tactical Security Element member to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan in 2015. His efforts were in support of operations Freedom’s Sentinel and Resolute Support.
“It was an absolute honor to be recognized at the game,” says Mock. “It was even better to see how much support for our military was displayed in the crowd and throughout local professional sports organization.” Mock was accompanied to the game by his wife and two young daughters, whom he said, all had a great time. The family was treated to game tickets and dinner.
While on deployment and conducting an outside-the-wire mission, Mock and his 13-member patrol were targeted by a Taliban suicide bomber on a motorcycle approximately six kilometers from base. The suicide bomber detonated his device, mortally wounding six airmen and knocking Mock unconscious. After a few minutes, Mock regained consciousness and despite facial lacerations and a concussion, he called for immediate assistance from the back-up security team, re-established communications and initiated the medevac while providing life-saving medical aid to his severely injured teammates.
In his current post, Mock provides investigative services in support of the Department of the Air Force. He enlisted in the Air Force in 2010 as a security forces apprentice and has subsequently performed a variety of security forces duties to include Response Force member, Response Team leader, Fly Away Security Team instructor, and Fire Team leader.
In addition to his deployment to Afghanistan, Mock was deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, as a Security Escort team member in 2012 in support of Operation New Dawn. Among his other accolades are the Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the NATO Meritorious Service Medal.
Mock says being selected as an LA Kings Hero of the Game “was truly a memorable evening for all of us.”