National Guard members receive recognition
CONNELLSVILLE TWP. – For the first time in nearly three years, the soldiers of the local Pennsylvania Army National Guard were together Sunday to celebrate the holidays and to recognize those who distinguished themselves during the recent deployment to Iraq. The dinner and awards ceremony were preceded by an earlier change of command that promoted Capt. Tom Guthrie of Smithfield to company commander. The event also marked the official changeover from its designation of Co. B, 1st Battalion, 103rd Armor unit to Co. D, 1st Battalion (Heavy), 110th MX BN unit.
“This is the first time in a very long time that we have all been here together and with our families,” said Guthrie.
The unit returned last year after spending nearly a year in north central Iraq.
During the ceremony, numerous awards were conveyed to several soldiers who had served during the deployment.
Sgt. John Carpenter of Uniontown was awarded the medical badge for his distinguished service on April 13, 2005.
While working at the Forward Operating Base Summerall aide station, two rockets slammed into the ground approximately 50 meters from his location. Carpenter immediately exited the aide station to assist with any casualties.
The Combat Medical Badge was conceived in 1945 by the War Department and awarded to those who serve under direct fire with the infantry. The design, which incorporates the medical corps insignia of the branch along with the Greek cross, wings and entwined serpents, signifies the recipient’s skills and expertise.
The Combat Action Badge was established in 2005 to provide a special recognition to soldiers who have personally engaged or are engaged by the enemy.
The Combat Action Badge recipients recognized for their distinguished service included:
– Sgt. First Class Michael Rubish of Perryopolis. On May 17, 2005, while patrolling a former U.S. military installation, Rubish encountered insurgents and prevented an ambush of other soldiers in the area.
– Sgt. Gregory Shriver of Morgantown, W.Va., Spc. Justin Shallenberger of Connellsville, Spec. Shaun Halfhill of Lemont Furnace, Sgt. First Class Homer Gardner of Somerset, Staff Sgt. Scot Sage of South Connellsville, and Spec. Kevin Claycomb of Connellsville. On April 7, 2005, after returning from their mission, one Humvee was struck by an insurgent’s vehicle, injuring its occupants. The six rendered aid to their fellow soldiers and secured the area from further attack until medical personnel arrived at the scene.
– Staff Sgt. Christopher Clark of Pittsburgh and Sgt. Joshua Shallenberger of Connellsville. On July 6, 2005, an improvised explosive device detonated near their location. The soldiers were called to search two nearby buildings and to detain insurgents.
– Sgt. First Class Scott Ferris of Pittsburgh and Staff Sgt. Rocklyn Myers of Ligonier. On June 9, 2005, after an explosive device struck a vehicle traveling in their convoy, the soldiers rendered medical aid to their fellow soldiers.
– Staff Sgt. Shane Pulig of Adah. On Jan. 24, 2005, four 130mm rounds in a roadside gravel pile exploded and caused damage to his vehicle.
– Capt. Tom Guthrie of Smithfield. On May 19, 2005, Guthrie was engaged by snipers and took preventative measures to ensure the safety of his fellow soldiers.
Other commendations awarded included:
– The Bronze Star, established in 1944 for distinguished heroic or meritorious achievement or service in connection with military operations, was awarded to Sgt. First Class Homer Gardner and Capt. Tom Guthrie.
– The Army Commendation Medal, established in 1945 for distinguished heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service, and the Good Conduct Medal, established in 1941 for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active federal military service, was awarded to Sgt. Greg Shriver and Sgt. Rickey Snyder of Connellsville
– The Army Commendation Medal with Valor was awarded to Spec. Shaun Halfhill.
“Each and everyone of these soldiers earned these awards through hard work, dedication to duty and selfless service,” said Maj. Timothy H. Blayney, battalion commander. “This company was the strongest unit in the battalion during our deployment to north central Iraq.
“There they were given numerous and complicated tasks and they were able to accomplish them without fail, and often did so with one-third less soldiers than other companies in the battalion.
“The combat awards are particularly noteworthy because they signify the extraordinary task of closing with and destroying the enemy.”
The unit also recognized retiring soldiers Sgt. First Class Todd Schrenkost of Butler, Sgt. Kevin Helms of South Connellsville, Sgt. Ron Pisano of Uniontown and Sgt. David Terez of Indiana during the ceremony. All the soldiers have served 20 or more years in the Armed Services.
“All of these soldiers have had distinguished careers with the 1/103rd and now with the 1/110th,” said Blayney. “Their service, dedication and commitment to the nation have been very much appreciated, and we will miss them on our team.”
Blayney added that while the American public continues to debate the Iraq war policies, there is no debate in connection with the sacrifice made by the soldiers of 1/110th.
“They did what they were trained to do,” he said. “They put themselves in harm’s way for the sake of the nation and to take the fight to the enemies of the U.S.
“This company did it very effectively, and that is reflected in the awards that these soldiers have received today.”
While she did not serve on the battlefield, Sharon Friedel was also recognized for her efforts while the troops were serving in Iraq.
Friedel, the president of the unit’s Family Readiness Group was awarded the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal for her outstanding service, dedication and support of the deploying soldiers.
“She consistently demonstrated excellent judgment in many types of stressful situations and provided advice, structure and purpose to regular meetings,” said Gen. Jessica Wright, Pennsylvania Army National Guard 28th Division adjutant general, in the commendation.
“Her leadership and caring attitude helped our soldiers deploy without having to worry about their families for lack of someone to turn to.
“Her accomplishments are greatly appreciated by the entire Pennsylvania Army National Guard community, and reflect great credit upon herself, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Other organizations recognized for their assistance or support during the deployment included Connellsville Township Volunteer Fire Co.; Connellsville Area High School Patriots; the Connellsville VFW; the Wesley United Methodist Church and the Connellsville American Legion.