Photo By Sgt. Michael Broughey | Sgt. Mikhail Dvoskin (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Efrain Quinones receive the Combat...... read more read more
KABUL, Afghanistan – The actions of 30 members of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-181st Infantry Regiment as the perimeter security force of Camp Phoenix were recognized April 24 for repelling a complex attack on the camp’s entry control point April 2.
Brig. Gen. Theodore Johnson and Command Sgt. Maj. Darwin Rahder of the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade of South Dakota conducted this final ceremony before ending their deployment to honor soldiers of HHC in their defense of Camp Phoenix’s entry control point.
During the attack three insurgents wearing improvised explosive devices failed in their attempt to infiltrate the camp. There were no deaths among coalition forces with a few minor injuries sustained by the defenders.
As the soldiers of the 1-181st stood in formation before him in Camp Phoenix’s Patriot Square, Johnson began by thanking the Soldiers on behalf of the entire Kabul Base Cluster for their hard work and dedication to providing security for Camp Phoenix.
“The 1-181st has done a phenomenal job. I salute you all,” Johnson said. He added that many service members on Camp Phoenix will never forget what happened that day.
Staff Sgt. Mark Maslon was the first called solely to be recognized by Johnson who presented him with the Combat Infantryman Badge with Star Device, signifying his second award of the badge for his service during Operation Desert Storm.
The following Soldiers were then called and posted to receive their Combat Infantryman Badge: Sgt. Derrick Arroyo, Pvt. Matthew Baritell, Pfc. Timothy Brewer, Spc. Stephen Cobb, Sgt. Steven Grasso, Spc. Robert Heipt, Spc. George Laraba, Spc. Lito Liloc, Spc. Adam Miner, 1st Lt. Alan Molin, Pfc. Kevin Nieves, 1st Sgt. David Parella, Maj. Timothy Sawyer, Staff Sgt. Eric Schultz, Sgt. Andrew Stanton, 1st Lt. Sean Pillai and Sgt. Arthur Ventura.
Next, the following soldiers posted to receive the Combat Action Badge for their actions April 2: Spc. Jaime Bueno, 1st Lt. David Denninger, Spc. Adam Flaherty, Sgt. Ryan Frost and Sgt. Stephen Gagnon.
Spc. Jeramie Burgos-Hollins was then called forward for earning his Combat Action Badge for his actions after his perimeter observation tower came under fire in the early morning hours of Dec. 12, 2010.
Sgt. Mikhail Dvoskin and Sgt. 1st Class Efrain Quinones were then called forward to receive the Combat Medical Badge for providing tactical care under fire for Grasso, Nieves and Spc. Eric Blackburn of the 1-134th Cavalry.
On April 28, the 1-181 Infantry presented certificates of appreciation to French soldiers, including Caporal Chef Christophe Pointurier who was on duty at the ECP during the April 2 attack. As a result, his certificate included the image of a CIB to recognize his efforts that day.
The following Soldiers also received awards for their actions April 2, but were not available to be presented the awards April 24: Sgt. Robert Bahre (CIB), Spc. David Cooley (CIB), Spc. Nicholas Gago (CAB), Spc. Stephen Leon (CIB) and 1st Lt. Matthew Tina (CIB).
Rahder said he was proud to serve alongside members of the 1-181st. “It’s a great team to work with,” he said.
Lt. Col. Anthony Couture, commander of the 1-181st remarked, “Outstanding work gets rewarded.”
Sawyer, commander of HHC, said he is extremely proud of all the soldiers who participated in the April 2 attack, but reminded everyone to “keep going strong.”
Johnson said he was glad to be able to present the awards before the 196th MEB departs from Afghanistan as the 26th MEB of Massachusetts had already assumed command of the mission to support facilities throughout the KBC April 21.
| Date Taken: | 04.24.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2011 08:08 |
| Story ID: | 69470 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 1,732 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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