REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (Sept. 11, 2015) -- Qualified employees from the Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center will be presented the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Global War on Terrorism in the spring of 2016.
The GWOT medal recognizes contributions and accomplishments of the civilian Department of Defense workforce in direct support of the armed forces whose members are engaged in operations to combat terrorism. The medal is a "theatre" award, and is authorized for civilian employees who on, or after Sept. 11, 2001, participate abroad in direct support of a U.S. military GWOT operation in a designated geographic location approved for award of the GWOT Expeditionary medal.
Most deploy in logistical, aviation maintenance, human resource, quality assurance and property management positions to support the 401st Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group.
"Deployment for a DOD civilian is very similar to that of an active duty soldier. They attend the same training, live and work in the same dangerous environments, work long days, and they do this as volunteers," said Tisha Guidry, AMRDEC Travel, Program Lead. "They leave behind their family and friends to help support the Army mission. It is a sacrifice they do willingly, and they should be honored for their service."
"Due to budget cuts, there has not been a ceremony since 2012," said Tisha Guidry AMRDEC Travel, Program Lead. "This ceremony will honor those who were unavailable to participate in previous ceremonies and those who have served since 2012."
DOD civilians must have served in theater locations for 30 consecutive days or 60 non- consecutive days in support of military operations and qualified individuals can only receive this medal once in their lifetime. Locations include Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar and other areas of Southwest Asia.
"This formal recognition not only acknowledges the sacrifices that AMRDEC civilians have made to support the Warfighter, but it also encourages them to continue to volunteer for positions in Theater, because without these volunteers, the Army mission would suffer greatly," said Guidry.
AMRDEC civilians do not need to apply for the medal. Qualified candidates have already been identified through their directorates, and qualifying individuals will be notified upon review of their proof of service. An estimated 30 AMRDEC employees will receive the award during the ceremony. Civilians who wish to deploy can apply through http://cpol.army.mil/library/mobil/.
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The Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, which has the mission to develop technology and engineering solutions for America's Soldiers.
RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. AMC is the Army's premier provider of materiel readiness -- technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment -- to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, eats it or communicates with it, AMC provides it.
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