No military serviceman or woman knows how they will respond when that first bullet goes whizzing past their head. Wielding a camera and firearms while serving in Iraq, Petty Officer First Class Jackey Bratt was more than up to the challenge, carrying out her duties unwaveringly and with valor.

Bratt, whose parents Dick and Wanda reside in Oak Harbor, will receive the Bronze Star Jan. 9 for her service as Joint Combat Camera Photographer during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The 28-year-old sailor demonstrated unmatched professionalism and superior leadership as non-commissioned Officer-in-Charge of a two-man Combat Camera team, leading documentation missions in Iraq.

“She displayed exceptional courage and fortitude as she collected more than 500 images in over 35 Coalition missions, including two fierce engagements with terrorists,” according to a narrative that will be read at the award ceremony.

Bratt recalled one particular firefight in which an Iraqi sniper was killed in action.

“I covered it going out on the missions with the soldiers and capturing, documenting what they were doing,” she said. “However, I also did have an M-4 and a 9-millimeter with me.”

She only recently learned of the award that will soon be bestowed upon her.

“This is all new to me,” she said. “I feel honored. There are many men and women serving who deserve this.”

Originally from Lincoln, Neb., Bratt used to visit Oak Harbor during the summers when she was younger. Her brother, Darrell, and his family own and operate the Blue Fox Drive-In.

“Growing up I came to Oak Harbor every summer since I can remember,” she said.

Bratt’s parents moved to Oak Harbor three years ago. The couple adopted Jackey when she was five years old. In 29 years, Wanda said over 500 foster children went through their home. The Bratts have 10 children, three of them adopted.

“We had a full house,” Wanda said.

She and Dick have been in awe of Jackey’s development as they’ve followed her career over the years.

“I’m so excited for her,” Wanda said. “She called us and we were so proud. Women don’t receive these honors very often.”

“I love her,” Dick added. “I’m so proud of her. She has such a wonderful personality. Everybody who meets her loves her.”

Bratt’s years in the military have kept her away from Oak Harbor, but she hopes to pay her parents a visit in February in time for her mother’s birthday. The last time Dick and Wanda saw Jackey was two and a half years ago when she flew them back to Norfolk, Va. to see their new grandson.

“We’re very excited to see her,” Wanda said.

Six years in the military has not been enough for the dedicated sailor, who has re-enlisted.

“They have me for at least three more years,” she said with a laugh.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Dave Nagle, deputy public affairs officer at Navy Expeditionary Combat Command in Virginia, said receiving the Bronze Star is an incredible achievement and reflection on the character and bravery of the recipient.

“It’s an extremely great honor,” Nagle said. “As a senior mass communication specialist in the Navy, we’re both in the same career field. This is exciting to see some of my professional colleagues be awarded for their actions, both in documenting the story of what’s going on over there, but also actually taking a role.”

Chief Petty Officer Tom Jones, who was in charge of Combat Camera Detachment Bravo in Iraq, served as Bratt’s supervisor as the crew chief for the six-person detachment.

“Petty Officer Bratt was one of the best I’ve ever served with,” he said, adding that she has received glowing adulation, both anecdotal and formal, from high ranking military personnel. “She just impressed me and impressed everybody she dealt with, and not just from a photojournalist Combat Camera perspective, but as a military member.”

Bratt’s ability to perform her duties under fire have been noted extensively.

“She stood her ground, did her thing, and did it well…” Jones said. “She’s not just out there taking pictures. She’s also out there, if need be, defending her fellow service members and helping out her shipmates. It’s one of those things where, and I’ve said it to her so many times now she’ll laugh when she hears it, but I’m really proud of her. It’s one of those situations where you can’t say enough about somebody you work with, but then you really can’t say enough when you serve with them in a wartime environment.”

If Jones were to assemble his “dream team” of sailors, Bratt would most definitely be on the short list.

“I will take this sailor anywhere in the world,” he said. “She’s a fantastic human being. She’s a fantastic sailor. I consider her to be family now.”