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The Joint Service Commendation Medal

Enclosure 1 Narrative

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey A. Python, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as a non-promotable Staff Sergeant serving as Brigade Motor Sergeant, a Master Sergeant position. Sergeant Python performed exceptionally well and beyond expectations throughout his deployment in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) from 20 March 2006 to 24 August 2006. Staff Sergeant Python was selected from among his peers to oversee the vehicle maintenance operations critical to the success of Joint Task Force Dark Anvil. He exhibited outstanding leadership and sound judgment in the maintenance and management of equipment worth over $1,000,000 while providing the best possible support to the 21st Signal Company in one of the most volatile areas of Afghanistan. Upon arrival at the 21st Theater Signal Battalion deployed location, there was no vehicle maintenance program in place and the unit’s critical communications mission was at risk. He single-handedly organized the few resources available, both equipment and personnel, to develop an efficient and capable maintenance shop. SSG Python analyzed conditions and identified the spare parts and equipment that would be needed to quickly restore damaged equipment. Because there was no supporting logistics section, in addition to his regular responsibilities, he assumed the duties of a logistics specialist and soon had his workcenter stocked with the required parts and was restoring vehicles at a rate that rivaled long-established garages. In addition, he and his subordinates deployed, under hazardous conditions, on multiple occasions to salvage damaged equipment and vehicles, repair them, and return them to service. His technical expertise and planning resulted in a continuous 100% availability rate and saved the Army more than $600K in replacement costs. Quickly recognized by surrounding units as the de-facto logistics expert, he assisted other units within the theater in logistics planning, operations, and developing their local maintenance capability. His efforts in developing and implementing standard operating procedures improved vehicle service theater-wide and was integral to the success of the Joint Task Force. Sergeant Python’s outstanding leadership and decisive actions on multiple objectives significantly contributed to the successful mission accomplishment of the 21st Theater Signal Battalion. His dependability, determination, and selfless service were key factors in the battalion’s success. Sergeant Python demonstrated leadership, courage, technical and tactical expertise and a level of performance indicative of a more senior and seasoned NCO. The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Python reflect great credit upon himself, Joint Task Force Dark Anvil, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.

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