CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – Awards are a big deal for Soldiers. Whether the award is for service or achievement, Soldiers would prefer their awards look nice. Luckily, there are Soldiers who make sure awards are in order.
“These awards are probably going to be seen by a Soldier’s grandkids. It would look pretty ridiculous if your name’s misspelled,” said Maj. Donald Warner, deputy personnel officer for the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division.
Anyone with knowledge of a Soldier’s achievement can submit an award for the Soldier, said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Krystal Jancze, a Portland, Ore. native and awards officer for the 34th Inf. Div. After an award is written, the unit commander approves or downgrades it. Then it is sent up the chain until it gets to the final approving authority.
Once the award is approved, the personnel office processes it. There, awards personnel ensure the award is written correctly.
“Be honest and write clearly so the individual will get the award they deserve,” Jancze advises. “Utilize the Army writing style and don’t try to write the same thing for each individual.”
Sometimes awards personnel are personally affected by the awards they process.
“I lost a buddy to an (improvised explosive device) attack,” said Master Sgt. Christian Walker, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the personnel office for the 4th Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. “We used to call him ‘Heavy Drop’ because when we jumped, no matter where he was on the stick, he was always the first one to hit the ground. He’s always there. I can still see the smile. So when a Soldier receives a Purple Heart … it’s touching.”
