Bronze Star Medal

Today was probably one of the first days in a long time where I woke up this morning went outside and it wasn't 100 degrees already. It was probably a cool low 90.

We had a Battalion formation at 0900 because the Commanding General was coming to present awards. Above is a picture of the CG and I after she presented me with a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service for the past year I've spent deployed.

What was really more exciting for me was to see some of the Soldiers get awards that contributed to the efforts which resulted in saving SGT Marksmeier's life on the 31-July convoy that was hit by an IED. However, I wish during the ceremony they would have specifically announced these.

The criteria for the Bronze Star is: a. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

b. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star. c. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The required achievement or service while of lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.

c. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The required achievement or service while of lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.

Moving to New Offices

I've spent the last two or three days busy moving into a new office.

They aren't too bad... Here's a pic of my desk now...

Mug Shot

I had to get my picture taken, here it is...

Presented with Battalion Coin

The Battalion Commander presented this Battalion coin to me for all the work I have done in response to the tragic events that happened on 31-July-06, where we incurred one soldier from our company killed in action and one wounded in action.

Remembering SGT Josh Ford

Recently our unit lost a great friend and comrade, SGT Josh Ford whom was killed during combat operations.

SGT Ford lived a trailer up and one over from me, even though he was frequently away on missions we would run into each other now and then, typically when he was having a smoke. SGT Ford could strike up a conversation about anything, he was very personable. Everyone in the unit would agree with that.

SGT Ford was a hard worker, and a prime example of a Soldier who knows what is needed to be done to complete a mission and will stop at nothing to succeed in doing so.

Please pray for him and his family.

(The above picture is from a memorial wall here on base, SGT Ford's name was recently placed on the wall)