LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Armed forces has always seen fit to recognize service members' whose efforts go above and beyond the call of duty, whether it is heroism on the battlefield, or hard work and long hours behind a desk. While those service members behind a desk work tirelessly to get others commended, they often go unnoticed.
Two Task Force Spartan Soldiers were awarded the Navy and Marine achievement medal by Brigadier Gen. Eric Porter, Forces Command personnel officer, during his visit to Forward Operating Base Shank, July 22.
Peekskill, N.Y., native, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Eva Bolton and Chicago native, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Natalie Joseph, both assigned to TF Spartan's brigade personnel office, were recognized for their outstanding personnel support and mission focus by taking care of Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen assigned to Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team.
These two non-commissioned officers live by the motto "mission first, people always," agreed by all personnel present.
Upon arrival to Afghanistan they immediately took initiative and took Ghazni PRT under their wing to work out personnel and administrative issues and concerns they had.
"The PRT commander was highly impressed by the support they provided," said Army Maj. Eric Alleyne, TF Spartan Personnel officer in charge.
At the same time they ensured every service member that redeployed was recognized for their accomplishments and service during Operation Enduring Freedom by expediting the process of all awards and badges they earned and deserved. Together they processed 140 personal medals and 54 combat action badges for PRT Ghazni.
However, there were two secret awards that Bolton and Joseph weren't aware of.
"They see every award that comes through the brigade. I thought it would be a nice twist that there would be an award that they were not tracking, obviously their award," said Alleyne.
Because the medals had been kept quiet, when Porter presented Bolton and Joseph their awards they were nicely surprised.
"I thought it was absolutely wonderful to have General Porter present us with the awards," said Bolton.
"I wasn't expecting it," said Joseph. "It made it much more meaningful to have the AG General give it to me," she added.
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