NCOIC, Deployed Communications
Staff Sergeant Joel C. Danielson, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious achievement as Non Commissioned Office In Charge, Deployed Communications, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan and Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM from 25 July 2011 to 10 February 2012. While deployed to Shindand Air Base Afghanistan, Sergeant Danielson singlehandedly built the security forces communications security (COMSEC) program from the ground up in support of a four hundred person deployed security forces squadron. As COMSEC manager, he performed weekly re-keys on radios utilized by thirteen combat security patrols and two entry control points, which conducted over three thousand patrols, processed three thousand vehicles and five thousand pedestrians in a six month period. In addition, he established a secure communications system in which the base defense operations center maintained radio contact with all patrols during the re-key process without interruption of secure communication. His dedication to the mission eliminated the need to rely on outside agencies to provide communications maintenance support, ensuring mission ready communication networks were prepared to support security patrols in under an hour per shift. His technical expertise was instrumental in troubleshooting a previously inadequate air to ground Ultra High Frequency (UHF) antenna installed at the alternate base defense operations center. He replaced it with Very High Frequency (VHF) ground to ground antennas at the primary and alternate base defense operations centers, providing the squadron with an alternate location in the event of emergency relocation operations while maintaining the ability to communicate with all force protection assets on the installation. Further, Sergeant Danielson performed critical emergency repair on the Mobile Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (MVACIS) at Shindand Air Base's main entry control point. After a hasty assessment revealed a faulty connector cable, Sergeant Danielson skillfully rewired the entire system, minimizing disruption in the entry control point's ability to detect contraband, sustaining the safety of over four thousand U.S. and coalition lives. Finally, Sergeant Danielson conducted duties as security forces truck commander on twenty five combat security patrols for United States Air Force and Army base defense patrols, establishing security on Shindand Air Base. He provided exemplary over watch duties at the main entry control point during an incident when wounded Afghan National Army forces were medically evacuated onto the installation following an improvised explosive device attack. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Danielson reflect great credit upon himself, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan and Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.
Director, DHA Regional Dental Laboratory San Diego
For exceptionally meritorious achievement as Director, DHA Regional Dental Laboratory San Diego March 2024 to December 2024. Captain Andersen played a pivotal role in the development and execution of the Defense Health Agency's (DHA) enterprise dental laboratory construct, culminating in DHA Policy Memorandum 24-010. His leadership in standardizing dental laboratory services across the Joint Force directly contributed to optimizing workflows, improving operational readiness, and advancing cost-effective healthcare delivery. Collaborating with Tri-Service and DHA leadership, he authored the Tri-Service Dental Laboratory Workflow Solution White Paper, providing the foundation for enterprise wide standardization which led to a 6.1 million dollar lab business management and prescription service across the Military Health System. Captain Andersen's strategic insight was instrumental in advocating for and implementing a tiered dental laboratory construct, enhancing capabilities across regional and central military dental laboratories. His engagement with senior DHA leadership and the Dental Clinical Management Team ensured comprehensive alignment with broader Defense Health Agency objectives. His work has left a lasting impact on the dental product line, streamlined processes, improved training opportunities for enlisted dental laboratory technicians, and increased interoperability between military treatment facilities worldwide. Captain Andersen's visionary leadership and commitment to innovation have significantly advanced joint dental healthcare operations. His exceptional achievements reflect great credit upon himself, the Defense Health Agency and the Department of Defense.
Independent Duty Medical Technician
Staff Sergeant Nathaniel C. Hollandsworth distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as a Medic for Joint Field Activity (JFA) 24-2IT in central Italy from 5 April 2024 to 4 June 2024, while assigned to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). During this period, Sergeant Hollandsworth's exemplary performance as the team medic ensured the health and well being of all United States members throughout the duration of the JFA. In addition, Sergeant Hollandsworth played a crucial role in the establishment of on-site infrastructure necessary to support large scale recovery operations for two months. His proactive approach to problem solving was instrumental to the team's success, leading to the excavation and screening of over 240 square meters and 194 cubic meters of soil, totaling over 68.5 tons. These efforts resulted in 19 days of osseous material and 23 days of life support equipment recovery. In addition to his recovery duties, Sergeant Hollandsworth provided comprehensive medical care to a team of 25 military members, totaling over 116 visits and assessments over two months. Sergeant Hollandsworth's exceptional efforts ensured significant progress in the DPAA's mission to achieve the fullest possible accounting of United States military personnel who remain unaccounted for after World War II. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Hollandsworth reflect great credit upon himself, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the United States Air Force.
Non-Kinetic Effects Duty Officer
Lieutenant Commander Larry C. Greunke, United States Navy, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as Senior Non-Kinetic Effects Duty Officer, from 13 April 2024 to 14 April 2024. During this period, Commander Greunke was responsible for the organization, direction, and control of non-kinetic assets in the defense of Israel against the largest ballistic missile strike in history. In this capacity, Commander Greunke led the spectrum centric warfare efforts to identify, classify, and when possible, degrade or deny adversary assets in the largest direct attack on Israel from Iran in history. His efforts augmented and enabled kinetic activities in the area of responsibility by utilizing electronic warfare capabilities to neutralize targets in the region releasing pressure on the limited kinetic munitions airborne. The range and maneuverability of his effects in the spectrum enabled an all-domain approach to the defense of Israel that served as a force multiplier in the engagement. Ultimately, his efforts ensured that even in this extreme incident there were zero safety of flight incidents, zero deconfliction incidents, zero emergency fuel situations, and no incidents where weapons were needed but not available. The distinctive accomplishments of Commander Greunke reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, the United States Air Forces Central Command, and the Department of Defense.
Joint Interagency Task Force South
Staff Sergeant Brandi N. Sheeder distinguished herself by meritorious service as the Joint Operations Command Center Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Operations Directorate, Joint Interagency Task Force South, Key West, Florida, from December 2020 to December 2023. During this period, Sergeant Sheeder's thorough understanding of joint, interagency, and combined operations contributed to the command's success in the pursuit, disruption, and interdiction of illicit narco-traffickers. As an advanced Surface Tactical Action Officer, she coordinated 10.6 billion dollars in assets and synchronized over 8,805 combined ship days with more than 48 thousand flight hours across United States Southern Command's 42 million square mile operating area. She directly supported Operation MARTILLO as a subject matter expert while deployed on United States Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton. Additionally, she supervised the tactical execution of the Air Bridge Denial program between the United States and Colombia, effectively defending Colombian airspace from illicit air traffic. Lastly, she demonstrated exceptional leadership in a joint environment, providing superior personal and professional mentorship to ten joint enlisted personnel. Her efforts culminated in her selection as Headquarters Air Force's Battle Management Operator Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for 2022. Her actions directly supported the disruption of 857 metric tons of narcotics valued at over $18 billion, the seizure of 725 conveyances, and the arrest of 2,289 suspected narcotics traffickers. The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Sheeder reflect great credit upon herself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
Cyber Control Manager
Technical Sergeant Brad Schmee, United States Air Force, distinguished himself by meritorious service as Cyber Control Manager, Joint Warfare Analysis Center, Global Operations Directorate, United States Strategic Command, Dahlgren, Virginia, from August 2019 to August 2022. As Node Site Coordinator during this period, Sergeant Schmee maintained, diagnosed, and repaired the multi-million dollar telecommunications suite, consisting of 600 physical and logical circuits, of the Defense Information Systems Agency node that supports Joint Warfighters across the globe. Additionally, he performed exceptionally as the Communications Security Responsible Officer, overseeing the operational keying, inventory, destruction and circuit management of 18 networks critical to communications for National agencies across the National Capital Region. Finally, Sergeant Schmee executed 48 communications security software upgrades five months ahead of the mandated deadline, with no impact to operations. The distinctive accomplishments of Technical Sergeant Schmee reflected credit upon himself, the United States Strategic Command, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
Kosovo Billeting Administration
Airman First Class, Keilan D. Josie, United States Air Force, distinguished himself by meritorious service as a Billeting Admin, Headquarters Support Group, Headquarters Kosovo Force, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Operation JOINT GUARDIAN, Pristina, Kosovo from, 27 September 2021 to 05 April 2022. During this period, Airman First Class Josie oversaw 1.8 million dollars in dorm facilities and processed 500 inbound reservations. Additionally, he corrected 130 maintenance discrepancies and ensured living accommodations for 32 nations. His attention to detail concluded a six thousand dollar equipment upgrade for three units, bolstering the Headquarters Support Group cyber security network. Furthermore, he partnered with the Facility Management team to conduct 60 preventative maintenance inspections on 23 facilities ensuring the safety and welfare of 710 Camp Film City residents. Finally, Airman Josie oversaw the sanitation contract for five COVID-19 isolation facilities to meet medical requirement for 165 quarantine patients. His dedicated efforts protected one thousand members from viral exposure, and sustained the Kosovo Force mission. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman First Class Josie reflect credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
Deputy Operations Officer
Major John Smith, United States Army distinguished himself by exceptional meritorious service in a combat zone while serving as Deputy Operations Officer, Special Operational Joint Task Force - Operations Inherent Resolve - Iraq Forward Operating Base Union III, Baghdad, Iraq from 01 January 2018 to 31 March 2018. During this period, Major Smith's outstanding knowledge and skill provided sound leadership and direction to the newly formed four person Counter Malign Operational Planning Team from across the SOJTF-OIR while developed systems and processes to integrate necessary portions of Special Activities with future SOJTF Counter Malign operational, actions and activities. Major Smith participated in four different distinguished Visitors events: developed the brief for LTGen Beydler's visit to SOJTF-I and answered numerous questions on current Counter Malign Policies. The distinctive accomplishments of MAJ Dexter Smith reflect credit upon himself, Special Operations Joint Task Force - Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.
Master Sergeant Mark A. Hardesty
JOINT TASK FORCE
FOR EXCEPTIONALLY MERITORIOUS SERVICE AS AN ADVANCE FORCE OPERATIONS TEAM MEMBER WHILE PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION DESERT STORM. DURING THIS PERIOD, MASTER SERGEANT HARDESTY DISPLAYED THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF PROFESSIONALISM, SOUND JUDGMENT, AND TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL COMPETENCE DURING EXTREMELY SENSITIVE RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS WHILE TAKING HOSTILE FIRE. HIS EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE COMBINED WITH HIS UNTIRING PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE WERE MAJOR FACTORS IN HIS TEAM'S ABILITY TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR MISSION. THROUGH HIS DISTINCTIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS, MASTER SERGEANT HARDESTY REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, THIS COMMAND, AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
PERIOD: 24 FEB 2004 TO 11 MAY 2004
CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE
JOINT SERVICE COMMENDATION MEDAL
TO
STAFF SERGEANT JEFFREY A. PYTHON
STAFF SERGEANT JEFFREY A. PYTHON, UNITED STATES ARMY, DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF BY EXCEPTIONALLY MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN A COMBAT ZONE WHILE ASSIGNED AS THE BRIGADE MOTOR SERGEANT, JOINT TASK FORCE DARK ANVIL, CAMP PYTHON, AFGHANISTAN IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM FROM MARCH 2006 TO AUGUST 2006. DURING THIS PERIOD, STAFF SERGEANT PYTHON'S OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL SKILL, KNOWLEDGE, AND LEADERSHIP AIDED IMMEASURABLY IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CRITICAL VEHICLE REPAIR FACILITY AND IN THE RECOVERY AND REPAIR OF OVER $20,000,000 OF EQUIPMENT. HE SINGLE-HANDEDLY ANALYZED THE LOCAL TERRAIN AND REQUIREMENTS AND LACKING LOGISTICS SUPPORT, ASSUMED THE DUTIES OF A LOGISTICS SPECIALIST TO ACQUIRE THE MATERIALS NEEDED TO MAINTAIN THEATER ASSETS. HIS EFFORTS INCREASED NOT ONLY THE EFFICIENCY OF HIS OWN FACILITY BUT ENHANCED REPAIR CAPABILITIES THEATER-WIDE. 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.
The required font is Times New Roman, 12 pitch. The paragraph must be "justified" (not aligned left) and can't exceed 14 lines.
If the award is for a specific, single act or achievement, use the phrase,
"DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF BY EXCEPTIONALLY MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT".
If the award is for sustained service over a significant length of time, use the phrase,
"DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF BY EXCEPTIONALLY MERITORIOUS SERVICE".
