Staff Sergeant Baxter deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom from 20120103 through 20121001. During this period he deployed and served as Squad Leader of a Military Police combat support unit. He performed exceptionally as the Sergeant of the Guard (SOG) responsible for 23 soldiers, six observation towers, one Entry Control Post, and multiple security escorts and Personal Security Details (PSD). He distinguished himself by providing career planning and professional development for all soldiers in the company. He advised soldiers of NCOES and other schools needed to advance to the next grade. He forecasted school slots for all eligible soldiers and submitted these to Home Station. He also sought Active Guard Reserve (AGR) hiring opportunities for soldiers and assisted them with applying. In addition, Sergeant Baxter assisting in planning company training on Individual Tasks and Rules of Engagement Scenarios based on the Platoon Leaders' priorities. He mentored Team Leaders on how to properly lead and evaluate training per FM 7-0. His After Action Reviews continually added shared knowledge to the platoon for their Security Forces mission. Sergeant Baxter maintained positive control of squad equipment during mobilization and deployment. He was responsible for $2.5 million in vehicles, weaponry, and gear when fully equipped. As the Sergeant of the Guard, he was responsible for over $200,000 in equipment. Sergeant Baxter's commendable performance is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
FOR EXCEPTIONALLY MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS AN ASSISTANT SERGEANT OF THE GUARD AND COUNTER INTELLIGENCE SECURITY TEAM MEMBER IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM AT CAMP SABALU-HARRISON, AFGHANISTAN. SPECIALIST CUNNINGHAM'S EXPERTISE, VAST KNOWLEDGE, AND OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF DUTY WHILE SUPPORTING CONTINUOUS DETAINEE OPERATIONS WERE INSTRUMENTAL TO THE OVERALL SUCCESS OF THE MISSION. SPECIALIST CUNNINGHAM'S ACTIONS ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE FINEST TRADITIONS OF MILITARY SERVICE AND REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM, THE 344TH MILITARY POLICE COMPANY, THE 18TH MILITARY POLICE BRIGADE, AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
