The next time the Soldiers of the 314th Public Affairs Operations Center put on their dress uniform, you will notice a lot more color on their chest. That is because they have earned several new military awards. In two separate ceremonies — one at the Combined Press Information Center and one at the U.S. Embassy — our Soldiers were honored for their service and achievements.
The military has a tradition of presenting awards for a job well done, for a specific achievement, or for length of service. All of our Soldiers received at least some of these type of awards, and those who had never deployed before, or were new to the Army and Army Reserve recieved even more of them.
Here are some pictures of the awards you might see on your friend or loved one’s dress uniform in the near future:
Every Soldier receives an Overseas Service Ribbon for completing their tour here.
If this was the first tour in Iraq, a Soldier receives the Iraq Campaign Medal and one Bronze Service Star. If Soldiers served during a previous phase of this campaign (we are no win the fourth phase), they recieve another Bronze Service Star.
Several Soldiers who had never received the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal received one for their service prior to our mobilization in December 2008.
Soldiers who had never received an Armed Forces Reserve Medal, received one and an "M" device, for completing their tour in Iraq.
Enlisted Soldiers who had never received a Good Conduct Medal, received one for completing this year of active duty service and meeting other requirements.
Several of our Soldiers received an Army Acheivement Medal for achievements or service they performed before or during deployment.
Many of our Soldiers received the Joint Service Commendation Medal -- described by many as one of the best designed military medals.
Some of our Soldiers received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, another one of the joint awards.
Two of our Soldiers received the Bronze Star Medal, presented for some of the highest levels of achievement and service.
Sunday, 8. November 2009
Wonderful! On the Armed Forces Reserve medal those on their 2nd mobilizarion can wear(along with the M) the 2 device and 3rd timers a 3! We are proud of the 314th!
Sunday, 8. November 2009
Del — I had a heck of a time working out all the details of who qualifies for what awards. I became intimately familiar with Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards), and all the MILPER messages that relate to awards. For instance, people might be surprised to know that your son was here in Iraq twice — and did the full tour each time — but he did not qualify for a second Bronze Service Star. Why, you might ask? Well, the Department of Defense has divided the Operation Iraqi Freedom campaign into different phases…and right now we are in Phase 4, called National Resolution. That phase started on December 16, 2005. That means that people, like your son SSG Bryan Tull, who were hear in 2006-2007 do not get a second star. However, someone who arrived here on December 15, 2005, and then spent a year here WOULD get a second award. Similarly, your son got an Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device when he was here in 2006, but AR 600-8-22 says that you can get only one “M” device for each contingency. So folks who served in Iraq before don’t get another device, UNLESS they were here for Desert Storm. Fortunately, we were able to correct some oversights from previous deployments for Soldiers like SSG Tull, and present awards they should have previously received. It’s good to know that all the heroes in the 314th were recognized for their work and dedication to serving the country….and better yet, that they are coming home in the near future.
Sunday, 8. November 2009
Wow Too complicated! But we are so proud of what you all did - the ribbons do not matter (but they are nice). You have the greatest award from all of us and that is our thanks!
Monday, 9. November 2009
The best award is a seat assignment from Kuwait to Maguire AFB.
Monday, 9. November 2009
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 11/09/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
Monday, 9. November 2009
a little something for our Veterans:
_They left behind mothers, fathers, siblings, fiances, spouses, boyfriends and girlfriends as well as extended family.
_They left their jobs, their school, and everything that was familiar and safe.
_They endured the spectrum of feelings, such as sadness,fear, depression, anxiety, exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment.
_They searched deep within their own mind to find that strong, dedicated and selfless hero.
_They are the Veterans that we owe our freedom to. In my family, it was my grandfather, father, brother, husband, nephew, and now my son. I am so proud of all of them, for they all endured much to make our lives better. Thank you.
Laurie Clifton
Monday, 9. November 2009
Thanks to all of you! I am very proud to be part of the 314th family.
Thursday, 12. November 2009
Thank you all for all you have done, are doing and will do. We shall be forever greatful. We love you.