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MANAMA, Bahrain - Petty Officer 3rd Class Darsean M. Sharpe, hospital corpsman, a native of Atlanta, Ga., earned a rare promotion for his outstanding support of the Provincial Reconstruction Team while serving in Afghanistan, often under hostile fire.
Sharpe competed with other eligible U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Sailors for a Combat Meritorious Advancement Program promotion to the grade of E-5.
According to Cmdr. Leonard Remias, PRT commander, this award represents Sharpe's ability to perform at the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer while being engaged in combat operations in Afghanistan.
"I'm pleased the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command authorized this award and recognized our Sailor who is making a significant contribution to the Global War on Terrorism," Remias said. "He is well-deserving of this award."
Sharpe was cited for helping save the lives of local nationals injured in an anti-Afghanistan forces attack on coalition forces within days of his arrival in theater.
He was also recognized for his service as an emergency room floor nurse with the 759th Forward Surgical Team during mass casualty events, and performing his duty as a Naval hospital corpsman in the battalion aid station treating injured service members and civilians assigned to Camp Wright.
For Sharpe, the advancement came as a complete shock.
"I was surprised.this feels good," Sharpe said after having his new rank pinned on his uniform. "It goes to show, that hard work and dedication pays off."
Sharpe said he was humbled by the promotion because he said he was only doing his duty. He said it was an honor to get the CMAP promotion as a hospital corpsman because of the tough duty that being a corpsman entails, as well as the difficulties in advancing in rank as a corpsman.
According to Lt. Jed Juachon, PRT medical officer, Sharpe is deserving of the recognition.
"He's a role model for up and coming junior Sailors," he said. "The CMAP program is an honor and a rare opportunity to recognize a Sailor under combat conditions. I'm very glad it was one of our Sailors selected."
The CMAP program provides commanders the opportunity to advance junior enlisted Sailors who display uncommon valor and extraordinary leadership while engaged in, or in direct support of, combat operations. The first promotions under CMAP were in 2005.
| Date Taken: | 11.02.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 11.02.2009 07:19 |
| Story ID: | 40951 |
| Location: | MANAMA, BH |
| Web Views: | 382 |
| Downloads: | 324 |
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