Soldiers receive Combat Action Badge

Courtesy Photo | Nine Task Force 34 Soldiers were awarded combat action badges at a ceremony on Oct. 20, 2008, at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. They received the badges because they came in contact with the enemy on thier last deployment in 2005.  

BALAD, IRAQ

10.20.2008

Courtesy Story

34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

By Spc. Justin Adelmann
34th Combat Aviation Brigade

BALAD, Iraq - By order of Brig. Gen. John Nunn, assistant adjutant general for New Jersey National Guard, these Soldiers were to be awarded the Combat Action Badge for their service during their previous deployment in Iraq with B Company 434th Main Support Battalion in 2005. At that time, they were responsible for running convoy missions, hauling supplies and vehicles, as well as providing convoy security.

Lt. Col. Eric Waage, 834th Aviation Support Battalion commander, presented the Soldiers the award.

"The Combat Action Badge is a non-skill badge, there is no school at which you can earn these," Lt. Col. Waage said. "But like the skills badge, you still have to take a test. These Soldiers have passed that test."

After presenting the awards to the Soldiers, Lt. Col. Waage addressed those in attendance.

"I want to compliment these Soldiers on coming over for a second tour," Lt. Col. Waage said. "It is a wonderful morning for the battalion to be able to award them, we are all extremely proud."

According to Army Regulation 600-8-22, the CAB provides special recognition to Soldiers who personally engaged the enemy, or are engaged by the enemy during combat operations.

Because they were attached to a New Jersey unit, the Minnesota Soldiers waited almost three years to receive the award.

"We each knew that we deserved the award and we were waiting patiently for it all to happen," said CAB recipient Staff Sgt. Anna Kern, A Company, 834th ASB operations, non-commissioned officer. "We had people working on these awards the whole three years trying to help each of us receive the recognition that we deserved."

Staff Sgt. Rick Culver, A Co., 834th ASB Transportation Platoon Sergeant and CAB recipient, gave a glimpse of his previous deployment. "On a convoy I saw all these clumps of grass on the road. Sure enough there was an [improvised explosive device]," Staff Sgt. Culver said. "As we called it in, mortar rounds started to drop in around us. I wasn't scared, the adrenaline was just pumping through me, and I was doing what I was trained to do."

• Date Taken: 10.20.2008
• Date Posted: 10.24.2008 09:58
• Story ID: 25491
• Location: BALAD, IQ