Photo By Alan Antczak | Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Petty Officer 1st Class (LS1) David...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO - Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Petty Officer 1st Class David W. Judish was awarded the Bronze Star Medal Aug. 11 for his exceptional meritorious service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and overseas contingency operations.
While deployed, Judish served as a logistics noncommissioned officer, Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) Paladin, U.S. Forces Afghanistan. Navy Capt. Joe Beel, SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific commanding officer, presented Judish with the Bronze Star Medal in recognition of his leadership, commitment and exemplary performance of duty while serving as an individual augmentee in Afghanistan.
Initially deployed for 12 months, Judish volunteered for an additional 14, serving a total of 26 consecutive months from Sept. 6, 2008, to Nov. 1, 2010.
“Serving my country and saving lives was all the motivation I needed to voluntarily extend my deployment,” said Judish.
Leading more than 20 remote forward operation base missions to resupply and evaluate CJTF Paladin’s team needs, Judish was in constant threat of attack in the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan. Often as a first responder, Judish assisted the wounded and recovered troops killed in action.
Most missions were conducted in improvised explosive device (IED) areas, or hot spots, where Judish’s logistical expertise and ability to attack the IED network while providing training in counter IED operations contributed to CJTF Paladin’s success.
“Our mission was to attack the network, defeat the device and train the force,” said Judish.
Ensuring his teams were equipped with all necessary technologies needed to successfully defeat the IED network, Judish utilized SPAWAR’s Keyhole kit and iRobot’s Packbot while in theater. Sponsored by the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) and managed by SPAWAR, the Keyhole program develops kits that are equipped with technologies that allow troops to conduct surveillance and target insurgents who are working to place IEDs. Packbot, developed by iRobot, is a rugged, all-terrain, man portable, all-weather, mobile robot that performs multiple counter IED missions while keeping warfighters and first responders safe.
“These technologies were like gold to the troops,” said Judish. “Saving the lives of countless warfighters, they made it possible to defeat the IED network as safely as possible.”
Throughout his deployment, Judish demonstrated superior performance and was instrumental in planning and executing the supply, logistics and infrastructure support for a command of more than 1,200 personnel throughout 33 forward operating bases in Afghanistan.
As the Navy’s Information Systems Dominance Command, SPAWAR is proud of Judish’s dedication, hard work and unparalleled support to the warfighters. Through his outstanding accomplishments, Judish reflects great credit upon himself, CJTF Paladin, U.S. Forces Afghanistan, the Navy and the Department of Defense.
| Date Taken: | 08.11.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.11.2011 18:22 |
| Story ID: | 75212 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 3,877 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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