NEW ROCHELLE, NY (June 18, 2025) — Colonel (Ret) Richard Gulley, a New Rochelle resident and JetBlue pilot, received a Bronze Star Medal today for his service in Afghanistan. American Legion Post 8 Commander Dennis Starr presented the award during a ceremony honoring Gulley’s 30 years of service in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves.
The Bronze Star recognizes Gulley’s actions during a Taliban attack in 2010 while deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The eight-hour assault involved small arms fire, mortars, rockets, grenades, and suicide vests, with mortar strikes landing less than 100 meters from Gulley’s position. His previous Defense Meritorious Service Medal from the deployment was upgraded to the Bronze Star.
Gulley served in Kosovo, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, as well as with the European and African Commands. He now flies for JetBlue out of John F. Kennedy airport.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
