Florida Naval Reservists Receive Presidential Unit Citation

Navy News Stand ^ | Jan. 16. 2004 | Journalist 2nd Class Andrew Pratt

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Florida Naval Reservists Receive Presidential Unit Citation
Story Number: NNS040116-04
Release Date: 1/16/2004 11:56:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class Andrew Pratt, Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center Miami

MIAMI (NNS) -- Naval Reservists in Miami, back from combat support operations in Iraq and Kuwait, were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation Jan. 10 for their efforts from March through April.

U.S. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart of the 25th District of Florida recognized the Naval Reserve 4th Force Service Support Group (NR 4FSSG), 4th Medical Battalion (4MB), Headquarters and Service (H&S) Company Detachment 15 (D15) at a special ceremony at Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center (NMCRC) Miami.

The ceremony recognized the unit’s support of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Operation Iraqi freedom. NR 4FSSG 4MB H&S D15 risked life and limb during the deployment as they tended to the critical wounds of Marines, Sailors and Soldiers being rushed back from the front lines.

The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to units displaying unique gallantry, determination and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission in difficult and hazardous conditions above other units participating in the same campaign. The unit, which advanced 800 kilometers into occupied enemy territory and crossed four major rivers to do so, devastated nine Iraqi divisions.

For some detachment members, this was their first combat experience.

“Getting shot at was the most challenging part of this mobilization,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Scott Jones.

Members of NR 4FSSG 4MB H&S D15 faced not only the difficult living conditions of the desert, but also the real hazards of wartime.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jennifer Hamilton demonstrated her selfless sacrifice and dedication to duty as she deployed with the unit while one of her sons was hospitalized with leukemia and a younger son was left in the care of her mother. A schoolteacher in her civilian job, she thought about her sons every moment of every day.

“The days in Kuwait were difficult, but I was able to serve my country,” she said.

Chief Hospital Corpsman Zev Levine assisted with health, habitability and hygiene operations at Camp Okinawa in Kuwait, and sacrificed a personal milestone while serving in the front line unit. His son, Mathew, was born while he was mobilized. He saw the first pictures of his son six weeks later.

Diaz-Balart received much applause from the Sailors after offering a glowing tribute to their heroic service. As he spoke, pride and emotion swelled throughout the drill hall.

“It’s a privilege to be here with you,” Diaz-Balart said. “I want to express one thought and one feeling alone – that’s gratitude. Gratitude for all you do, day in and day out."

After completing his introduction at the podium, Diaz-Balart shook hands with each award recipient and presented them with a U.S. flag, flown over the Capitol in Washington.

For related news, visit the Commander Naval Reserve Force Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nrf.