Comments on: All those colors on your chest

By: Laverne G. Leech

Laverne G. Leech — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:39:49 +0000

Thank you all for all you have done, are doing and will do. We shall be forever greatful. We love you.

By: Laurie Clifton

Laurie Clifton — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:56:52 +0000

Thanks to all of you! I am very proud to be part of the 314th family.

By: Laurie Clifton

Laurie Clifton — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:54:56 +0000

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

By: David M

David M — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:57:15 +0000

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.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:09:55 +0000

The best award is a seat assignment from Kuwait to Maguire AFB.

By: del tull

del tull — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:24:41 +0000

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!

By: SGM Troy Falardeau

SGM Troy Falardeau — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:30:02 +0000

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.

By: del tull

del tull — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:07:07 +0000

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!