Department of Defense Expeditionary Civilian (DOD-EC) Tristen F. Buckner was awarded the NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, a Certificate of Wartime Service and the Public Service Commendation Medal for his service to the Area Support Group-Afghanistan (ASG-A) from May 2018 to May 2019 during a ceremony at Kandahar Airfield (KAF) May 2, 2019. The awards were presented by ASG-A Commander Col. Jacob Peterson.

Buckner served as the supply and services chief and was assigned to ASG-A through the DOD-EC Program, which deploys personnel to support military operations abroad.

A Navy veteran, Buckner also served as the contracting officer representative for laundry services at KAF.

"I took pride in making sure the troops had everything they needed for the fight," said Buckner. "That was my main focus every day."

The ASG-A provides base life support services for more than 35,000 personnel throughout the Combined Joint Operations Area Afghanistan.

Those personnel include U.S. military, DOD Civilian, Contractor and Coalition Forces contributing to Operation Freedom's Sentinel and the NATO-led Operation Resolute Support Train, Advise and Assist Mission.

ASG-A base life support services encompass everything from law enforcement and public works to billeting, food service and quality of life.

Buckner returns to the Defense Logistics Agency-Aviation at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, where he will continue to serve as a C-17 customer support specialist.