Travis Airman awarded Purple Heart Published July 19, 2012 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Senior Airman Jeffrey Rivera, 60th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation specialist, was awarded a Purple Heart July 17 during a commander's call in the base theater on Travis. Rivera was deployed to Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan as part of a ten-person team of porters providing all aspects of aerial port services to the entire FOB. On June 1, Rivera was walking inside the confines of the base and was injured in an explosion when insurgents attacked the base. He sustained injuries to the ear and neck in the explosion. Rivera was immediately medically evacuated to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan for treatment to his injuries. On June 8, he returned to Travis for follow-on care. Through his resiliency and strong character, Rivera was able to quickly recover from his injuries and return back to duty at the 60th APS at Travis.