Soldier, airman receive cross-service awards

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Raymond Hoy | U.S. Army Capt. Nicholas Wolff, the Army Air Defense operations officer for the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command combat ops division, speaks to an audience after receiving the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal, March 1, at a deployed location in Southwest Asia. Next to him is Air Force Staff Sgt. Lindsay Holt, from U.S. Air Forces Central Command’s A6 section, who was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for her contributions to the successful completion of Exercise Fast Eagle II. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Mike Andriacco)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.08.2013

Story by Tech. Sgt. Michael Andriacco 

United States Air Forces Central     

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - A Soldier and airman each received a cross-service award during a joint medal presentation ceremony March 1, at a deployed location in Southwest Asia.

U.S. Army Capt. Nicholas Wolff and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lindsay Holt were presented the Air Force Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal, respectively, by Army Col. Brian Gibson, the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command Deputy Area Air Defense Commander officer in charge.

Wolff received his award for serving the past year as the Army Air Defense operations officer for the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command combat ops division.

According to the award citation, Wolff "expertly managed battle tracking systems, allowing the Combined Force Air Component Commander to maintain situational awareness and real time accounting of all theater missile combat capabilities under the command." This includes several Patriot firing batteries, three Patriot battalions and one air defense artillery brigade.

"Whenever we needed to get something done, he was the guy to get it done," Gibson said about Wolff. "At the end of the day it was 'mission accomplished' and a job well done."

Holt, from U.S. Air Forces Central Command's A6 section, received her medal for her efforts to support Exercise Fast Eagle II as a "white cell," or evaluation team, member.

"Over a series of weeks and months, because of your efforts we were successful in theater with a phenomenally large exercise," Gibson said. "Without your personal efforts, this would not have been nearly as successful."

Gibson went on to say that the point of the exercise was to help improve interoperability among joint services in today's contingency environment.

"The services are all better off after the exercise and because of your efforts," he said.

Both Wolff and Holt recognized that their awards were not a result of their individual efforts, but rather were made possible because they were members of a team.

"Thanks to everyone who helped me along the way and made me successful," Wolff said. "This has been a great experience and I've enjoyed my time here."

Wolff will go on to serve at another location in the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

"I'm grateful for all the chiefs on the [communications] side and on the war fighter side who gave me all the resources and insight I needed to get Fast Eagle done," Holt added. "I appreciate the opportunity to support the joint mission."

Holt will remain in place until she returns to her home station of Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.

• Date Taken: 03.08.2013
• Date Posted: 03.12.2013 10:12
• Story ID: 103326
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)