191st Military Police Company Honored Today at Freedom Salute Ceremony

Photo By David Lipp | Maj. Deb Lien, of the North Dakota Army National Guard, left, reads a list of names of 191st Military Police Company members as they walk across the stage at the Fargo Dome, Fargo, N.D. on May 31, and shake hands with N.D. Governor John Hoeven and other state dignitaries. The Soldiers in the 191st Military Police Company are being recognized for their service during a recent deployment to Iraq.  

FARGO, UNITED STATES

05.31.2009

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

FARGO, N.D. - A homecoming tribute and Freedom Salute Campaign ceremony for the 191st Military Police Company took place at the FargoDome today in honor of the company deploying to Iraq for a year or more in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

During the event, the Soldiers, their family members, friends, employers and other supporters were recognized for their contributions.

"We are pleased to recognize and honor you for standing up for your country. You performed your mission outstandingly well," said North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven at the ceremony.

"We are enormously proud of you and we are enormously proud of your families who sacrificed as well," said Senator Bryan Dorgan.

"You are our North Dakota heroes. Congratulations on a mission very well done and all you mean to our state and nation," said Congressman Earl Pomeroy.

"We called upon you to do a difficult task. You did it well and you did it with pride. I am proud of what you accomplished. You did a tremendous job and represented the state of North Dakota well," said state adjutant general, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatk.

Five Purple Heart medals were presented during the ceremony to recognize Soldiers who were wounded in action while serving in Iraq. The following Soldiers received the prestigious medal at the ceremony today: Sgt. Dane Severinson, Spc. Andrew Vanyo, Spc. Eric Jorgenson, Spc. Stan Manikowski and Spc. Aaron Zabka.

In addition, Sgt. Megan Dockter and Sgt. Justina Bilby were inducted into the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club. The club recognizes exemplary performance by non-commissioned officers throughout the Army. Since its inception in 1986, the club has continuously added distinguished leaders to its ranks in honor of Murphy, the most decorated Soldier in the history of the U.S. Army.

While deployed to Iraq, the 191st Military Police Company completed nearly 1,300 missions and traveled approximately 120,000 miles throughout the Baghdad area. Soldiers were recognized for their year of service with 23 Bronze Star Medals and 153 Army Commendation Medals. Many also were acknowledged for individual achievements through the presentation of three Army Commendation Medals with a "V" device for valor, seven Army Commendation Medals and 14 Army Achievement Medals.

With 114 Soldiers earning Combat Action Badges, the 191st Military Police Company was also officially awarded the Combat Action Streamer, which will fly with the unit's distinctive flag. The streamer is designated only for units with 65 percent or more Soldiers receiving the Combat Action Badge, an award that recognizes Soldiers who personally engage the enemy or are engaged by the enemy during combat operations.

• Date Taken: 05.31.2009
• Date Posted: 05.31.2009 19:38
• Story ID: 34340
• Location: FARGO, US