FOR VALOR IN CONNECTION WITH GROUND OPERATIONS DURING OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. MAJOR SMITH DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF ON 14 NOVEMBER 2004 WHILE SERVING AS SENIOR OFFICER DURING COMBAT OPERATIONS IN BAGHDAD, IRAQ. WHILE MEETING WITH IRAQI NATIONAL RAILROAD OFFICIALS, MAJOR SMITH'S PARTY RECEIVED SMALL ARMS FIRE FROM AN UNIDENTIFIED ENEMY FORCE. ARMED ONLY WITH A PISTOL, MAJOR SMITH IMMEDIATELY TOOK CHARGE, GOING THROUGH EVERY DOOR FIRST AND LEADING THREE UNARMED CIVILIANS AND THREE SERVICE SUPPORT SOLDIERS DOWN THREE FLOORS TO THE EXIT. WHEN ESCORT VEHICLES ARRIVED AND DREW FIRE, MAJOR SMITH SUCESSFULLY ENGAGED THE ENEMY, THEREBY ALLOWING OTHERS TO BE EXTRACTED. MAJOR SMITH REFUSED TO BOARD UNTIL HE KNEW ALL OF HIS SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS WERE SAFELY INSIDE ARMORED VEHICLES. HIS ACTIONS WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN PREVENTING THE THEFT OF 425,000 DOLLARS AND THE SUCCESSFUL AND SAFE EVACUATION OF UNARMED CIVILIAN PERSONNEL. MAJOR SMITH'S PERSONAL BRAVERY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MILITARY SERVICE AND REFELCT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE IRAQ, AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SUPPORTING THE PUERTO RICO NATIONAL GUARD STATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM AND THE TRADITIONAL COMMANDER ACTIVITIES IN EXECUTING THEIR MISSION ESSENTIAL EFFORTS WITH THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. MAJOR WAYNERIGHT DEMONSTRATED OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND CRITICAL THINKING BY EXERCISING SUPERB LEADERSHIP AND COMPLETING THE NECESSARY IMPLIED, SPECIFIC, AND ESSENTIAL TASKS TO SUPPORT SOUTHCOM CCDR ACTIVITIES. MAJOR WAYNERIGHT'S PROFESSIONALISM AND LEADERSHIP REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, THE OFFICE OF SECURITY COOPERATION, THE PUERTO RICO NATIONAL GUARD AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
Served as the Executive Officer (XO) for Delta Company for one year and six months. 1LT Herbert's commitment to the success of the unit is evident in his efforts to go above and beyond requirements of regular Battle Assembly hours and duty days. Made significant contributions to Echo Mission's White Phase, aiding in planning and monitoring training for over 220 trainees and ensuring the successful completion of the training schedule.
1LT Herbert is credited with organizing a Mass Soldier Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) at Corry Naval Station where he tested over 75 soldiers. He maintained a 100% green status for metrics MRC and DRC, resulting in a 100% passing graduation rate for Drill Sergeant candidates. Notably, 1LT Herbert also led MSG Polka and MSG Dot, who are now serving in the BN Command team.
1LT Herbert's efforts as XO have significantly contributed to Delta Company and the Army Reserves' readiness and morale. His dedication, leadership skills, and performance are a testament to his commitment to service.
Outstanding achievement in the superior performance of his duties as Manpower and Organizations staff officer while deployed in support of Operation FREEDOM'S SENTINEL. Captain Epstein demonstrated superior performance and contributed historically valuable knowledge in the overall management and execution of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Crisis Establishment (CE), the governing manpower document for the HQ Resolute Support mission. In addition, Captain Epstein served as the Acting Deputy CJ1 Branch Head, and directed the baseline of six organizations' personnel pre-deployment training status following the Resolute Support Commander's (COMRS) inaugural in-theater Key Leader Training. His efforts ensured more than 2,000 RS personnel were equipped with necessary strategic mission knowledge and skills required to perform the Afghan Train, Advise, and Assist mission. Captain Epstein's responsibilities also included managing 2,890 occupied posts at HQ RS and training 50 manning points-of-contact on proper personnel management procedures. His expertise synchronized the manning and manpower efforts of 42 nations across five headquarters.
