MASTER SERGEANT CAROL S. SMITHERS, UNITED STATES ARMY, DISTINGUISHED HERSELF BY EXCEPTIONALLY MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN A COMBAT ZONE WHILE ASSIGNED AS THE NON COMMISSIONED OFFICER IN CHARGE, PERSONAL SECURITY DETAIL, JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM FROM MAY 2009 TO MARCH 2010. DURING THIS PERIOD, MASTER SERGEANT SMITHERS' OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL SKILL, KNOWLEDGE, AND LEADERSHIP AIDED IMMEASURABLY IN THE PROTECTIVE OPERATIONS CRITICAL TO THE SUCCESS OF JOINT BASE BALAD. SHE SINGLE-HANDEDLY ANALYZED AND EVALUATED SITES LACKING SECURITY, PRIORITIZED ASSETS, AND IMPLEMENTED PLANS AND PROCEDURES TO SECURE THEM. MASTER SERGEANT SMITHERS DISPLAYED SUPERIOR TECHNICAL SKILLS, INITIATIVE, AND EXCEPTIONAL DEDICATION TO DUTY IN SUPPORT OF MISSION OBJECTIVES. THE DISTINCTIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MASTER SERGEANT SMITHERS REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HERSELF, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, THE UNITED STATES ARMY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
DURING THIS PERIOD, SERGEANT CARTER'S SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE AND OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONALISM AIDED IMMEASURABLY IN THE PROTECTION OF LIVES AND EQUIPMENT WHILE PERFORMING ENTRY CONTROL OPERATIONS AT KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE. ADDITIONALLY, SERGEANT CARTER DEVOTED HIS DAYS OFF TO SECURE CONVOYS FOR EXPLOSIVE ORDINANCE DISPOSAL TEAMS RESPONDING TO IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE INCIDENTS IN THE CITY OF KIRKUK, AND TO PERSONAL SECURITY DETAILS FOR VISITING DIGNITARIES. FINALLY, SERGEANT CARTER'S ASTUTE LEADERSHIP AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL AIDED IMMEASURABLY IN THE ACCURATE RECORD KEEPING AND DAILY OPERATION OF THE SECURITY FORCES ARMORY. THE DISTINCTIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MASTER SERGEANT CARTER REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, THE 532ND SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
