Sky Soldiers Honored for Actions in Combat

Defend America News ^ | Dec 1, 2005 | Staff Sgt. Jacob Caldwell

[SandRat]

U.S. Army Gen. John Abizaid, U.S. Central Command commander, speaks to U.S. Army soldiers assigned to Combined Task Force Bayonet after an awards presentation held Nov. 30, 2005, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Sgt. Jose Mondragon, 74th Long Range Surveillance Detachment, was one of three soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade presented a Purple Heart during the ceremony. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Caldwell More Photos
Sky Soldiers Honored for Actions in Combat
Three Silver Stars and three Purple Hearts were presented to the soldiers fo actions taken and injuries sustained during Operation Enduring Freedom VI.
By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Caldwell Combined Task Force Bayonet KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 1, 2005 — Six U.S. Army soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade received high honors during an awards ceremony Nov. 30 at Kandahar Airfield. Three Silver Stars and three Purple Hearts were presented to soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) and the 74th Long Range Surveillance Detachment for actions taken and injuries sustained during Operation Enduring Freedom VI. Silver Stars were presented to Staff Sgt. Matthew Blaskowski and Staff Sgt. Christopher Choay, of Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), and Staff Sgt. Patrick Brannan of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) by Gen. John Abizaid, U.S. Central Command commander, for actions taken during a battle May 3 near Baluc-Kalay in Zabul Province.	Staff Sgt. Jose Magana, Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), Sgt. Jose Mondragon and Spc. Kirk Schmitz, both 74th Long Range Surveillance Detachment, also received Purple Hearts during the ceremony. Choay credits his squad and fellow paratroopers for their actions taken that day during the fire fight. "It's really about your buddy to your left and right," said Choay, "Take care of them. It's a very big responsibility. We've all got family members or loved ones, or something motivating to go home to." "As long as you take of your buddy ... the mission will be accomplished and we'll all go home."

[SandRat]

Heroes PING!

[operation clinton cleanup]

Thanks for posting... Why cant MSM newscasts end their shows with showing ceremonies like these?

[SandRat]

Just heard on FNC tonight that they are going to do a bunch of them.

[vigilante2]

good post

[operation clinton cleanup]

It's about time. It's important to recognize those who did not make it back, but also to recognize those who allowed even more to make it back by their brave actions.

[I got the rope]

I think this unit lost 4 guys in an IED attack a couple of months ago.

[Khurkris]

"It's really about your buddy to your left and right," said Choay, "Take care of them. It's a very big responsibility. We've all got family members or loved ones, or something motivating to go home to."
"As long as you take of your buddy ... the mission will be accomplished and we'll all go home."

There it is...Well done Troops.
Airborne & Amen.

[centurion316]

This company killed about 40 of the bad guys during the operation cited in the awards.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[Calpernia]

Six U.S. Army soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade received high honors during an awards ceremony Nov. 30 at Kandahar Airfield.

Three Silver Stars and three Purple Hearts were presented to soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) and the 74th Long Range Surveillance Detachment for actions taken and injuries sustained during Operation Enduring Freedom VI.

[Rakkasan1]

LRSD ping