10th CAB aviators 'Fly to Glory' during deployment

Photo By Sgt. Thomas Scaggs | Cpt. Christopher J. Curran, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ian P. Barton, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles A. Meyers, pilots with C Company, 1-10 Aviation Battalion, stand at attention after receiving Air Medals in Bagram, Afghanistan, on Dec. 12. The aviators were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the stabilization efforts in Kunduz, Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew T. Karlson, who also received an Air Medal, had re-deployed before the awards ceremony. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of 1-10 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion)  

FORT DRUM, NY, UNITED STATES

12.12.2016

Story by Spc. Thomas Scaggs 

10th Combat Aviation Brigade

Aviators from C Company, 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, received Air Medals and Army Commendation Medals in Bagram, Afghanistan, on Dec. 12 for their outstanding achievements in service to the U.S. Army during their deployment to the region.

Capt. Christopher J. Curran, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew T. Karlson, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ian P. Barton and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles A. Meyers made exceptional contributions to the efforts of United States Forces-Afghanistan while deployed in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel to earn them the distinction.

"Capt. Curran and his team from the Cobras have done phenomenal over the last nine months," said Lt. Col. George A. Hodges, 1-10 Aviation commander. "They have served at nearly every major operating base in Afghanistan and have been right in the middle of nearly every major operation in that country in the last nine months.

"Their actions and bravery greatly contributed to keeping the city of Kunduz from falling into the control of the Taliban. They have done the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum proud."

The medals' narratives depict the aviators taking thoughtful and decisive action while flying missions. During these tough scenarios, when ground forces were outnumbered or without a strategic upper hand, the aviators' quick thinking, communication and action were pivotal in saving countless lives of U.S. forces and its partners.

Through their combined display of expert piloting and well-timed placement of fire, they contributed to the overall stabilization of Kunduz, Afghanistan.

Army Commendation Medals also were awarded separately to crew chiefs from C Company, 1-10 Aviation. Staff Sgt. Carlos San Nicolas, Cpl. George Valentine, Spc. Daniel Deaver and Spc. Ian Ramsey received the ARCOMs for their exceptional contribution to missions in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan.

Some Soldiers from 1-10 Aviation have already returned from their deployment, and others will return in the coming weeks.

• Date Taken: 12.12.2016
• Date Posted: 05.09.2017 11:00
• Story ID: 233148
• Location: FORT DRUM, NY, US