This is what it has come to

[stfesta]

http://www.randolph.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123294964


A BSM for using a calculator? What is next purple heart for a paper cut?

This diminishes every BSM ever given for all the right reasons.

Sad day.
sf

[Surgicalcric]

Funny you should bring this up. My TS, CPT and I were discussing it earlier today in language class.

Talk about cheapening an award...

[khy3eb]

Kindly disagreeing with you gentlemen, but from what I see it appears she did her job extremely well and then some. Also, it's not like it was awarded for valor. It was awarded for merit.

When I was in Iraq every member of my unit above the grade of E-8 got a BSM as an end of mission award. All the E4's and E5's got ARCOMs. And unlike a certain individual I have in mind right now (who was also awarded a BSM as an EOM award), it seems like this Tech Sergeant actually did her job and did it well.

But being finance myself I suppose I am a little biased.

[Roguish Lawyer]

Originally Posted by khy3eb

Kindly disagreeing with you gentlemen, but from what I see it appears she did her job extremely well and then some. Also, it's not like it was awarded for valor. It was awarded for merit.

When I was in Iraq every member of my unit above the grade of E-8 got a BSM as an end of mission award. All the E4's and E5's got ARCOMs. And unlike a certain individual I have in mind right now (who was also awarded a BSM as an EOM award), it seems like this Tech Sergeant actually did her job and did it well.

But being finance myself I suppose I am a little biased.

Please don't post again until you've posted an introduction in the proper place and otherwise followed the instructions you received when you registered. Thanks.

[khy3eb]

Sir, I actually had posted an intro some years ago when I was serving in Iraq (I remember a QP saying that he'd raise a cold one for those of us downrange and I appreciated the sentiment).

I'm not sure why my post count was reset, but this is actually my fifth post in almost three years. Under the statistics portion of my profile at least a couple of them still show up. Nonetheless, intro was reposted as requested.

Having said all that however, I maintain my point that support guys need to be recognized for solid work as well, and since this BS was awarded for merit I'm quite happy for her and her shop. It's good to make sure good work gets the recognition it deserves.

[Roguish Lawyer]

Originally Posted by khy3eb

Nonetheless, intro was reposted as requested.

Thank you and thanks for your service.

[charlietwo]

Be sure to read the comment section below for a good temperature read of the Air Force's opinion on that award.

I can relate--I was awarded a BSM (for merit, w/o V device) for doing my job and to say I felt sheepish and awkward receiving it would be an understatement.

[Guy]

Originally Posted by khy3eb

When I was in Iraq every member of my unit above the grade of E-8 got a BSM as an end of mission award. All the E4's and E5's got ARCOMs. And unlike a certain individual I have in mind right now (who was also awarded a BSM as an EOM award), it seems like this Tech Sergeant actually did her job and did it well.

But being finance myself I suppose I am a little biased.

I noticed your unit disignation; when & where were you at in Iraq?

Stay safe.

[Richard]

Story gone from the posted link - here's the gist of it.

Gamez distinguished herself by meritorious achievement as the NCO in charge during a 365-day deployment, January 2011 to January 2012. While in Afghanistan, she accurately executed operational funds across eight remote bases, providing commanders with flexibility in support of counterinsurgency efforts. Gamez trained 68 operational fund teams, reviewed 34 projects and funded 280 joint acquisition board packages enabling critical base sustainment.

IMO - that's an MSM or JSCM citation. I'm only surprised it wasn't awarded with a "V" device or upgraded to a Soldier's Medal for 'saving' her command's paperwork-covered @$$!

And an example of the Army's contribution to such 'awards creep' BS...

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL TO
xxx

xxx, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious wartime service as the Operations Officer, Xxx, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, Victory Base, Iraq from 12 February 2008 to 17 April 2009 during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. During this period, MAJ Xxx s attention to detail, devotion to duty, and determination were instrumental in the success of the MNC-I Xxx mission to provide support to Army Reserve Soldiers and units stationed throughout Iraq. Assigned to manage the day to day operations of the Xxx office at Victory Base, Iraq MAJ Xxx s dedication to the mission and his impressive resourcefulness ensured the success of the xxx office in Baghdad. Under MAJ Xxx s demonstrated professional abilities and resourcefulness he scheduled and coordinated visits to numerous locations in the Area of Operations throughout Iraq to assist Army Reserve Soldiers and their commands. MAJ Xxx provided Soldiers with the knowledge of the Xxx function in theater as well as numerous internet resources that are available for the deployed Army Reservist. MAJ Xxx tracked the location of as many as 8300 Soldiers on the battlefield every month and consolidated the information to a power point slide that is used for providing a visual report of the Army Reserve Soldiers located in Iraq. Major Xxx worked effectively and efficiently to assist the Army Reserve Soldiers in the absence of established Army Reserve personnel systems and organizations in a multi-component force. Major Xxx worked tirelessly with the finance office at Victory Base, Iraq to ensure that xxx Soldiers extending in theater for another mission, after their commands redeploy received the Assignment Incentive Pay for their extension beyond 365 days boots on the ground. His effectiveness in communicating with Central Command, FORSCOM, the United States Army Reserve Command, Human Resources Command and the Department of the Army G3 mobilization branch allowed MAJ Xxx to coordinate with various units of the Army Reserve and Active Duty to place 67 individual Soldiers on an extension order for an additional 365 days in theater filling shortages in commands where Army units came forward to theater at less than 100% strength. MAJ Xxx assisted in the development, planning, coordination and execution of five distinguished visitor itineraries in support of the Joint Monthly Access to reserve components program. This program is designed to bring Army Reserve Commanding Generals and their Command Sergeants Majors forward to Iraq on a monthly basis to visit reserve Soldiers and their units. His assistance and experience of Army Reserve challenges led to successful communication of theater specific Army Reserve issues to the senior leaders in the Army Reserve and has positively impacted operations here in theater. Major Xxx s leadership and professionalism exemplify the Army values and his actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, the United States Army and the Department of Defense."

Richard

[khy3eb]

Originally Posted by Guy

I noticed your unit disignation; when & where were you at in Iraq?

Sir, PM sent.

[MtnGoat]

IMHO all staff and people living in a major base and never nothing more than a 107mm rkt or mortars should only get a DMSM. Point wise on broads it racks the same. When I was a S3 OPS NCOIC I submitted my staff them in lieu of BSM. S1 was you're tge first SGT. Needless to say I got over ruled. By my OIC.

What I love is when units have limits on given awards. Say a Company can only get 6 BSM. Noone ask the leadership who do you want to recieve the BSM? Nope they just say this guy or that NCO.

Awards never make people happy. But as a leader at least you tried to take care of your men. They will remember that part.

[sinjefe]

I read through those comments and have a few points. The general complaints seem to be focused on:

1. BSM awarded for something not heroic or brave
2. She should have "turned it down"
3. AF should never have submitted it and played it up in the first place.

I will agree with number 3. However, those posters clearly don't realize or understand that the BSM can be awarded for merit. Would they be so angry if she had been awarded the Legion of Merit? The LOM is a higher award than than the BSM but, somehow I think it wouldn't bother anyone. Also, anyone who has been in knows that an E-6 isn't afforded an opportunity to turn down an award. That has to be one of the most ridiculous complaints I saw over there. Whether or not the AF or the Army should or shouldn't award a BSM is a different discussion that really doesn't have anything to do with her receiving the award. She isn't the first person to get a BSM for merit.

[CSB]

It was the policy of MG Burton Patrick (CG, 101st Airborne Division, 1984-1984 time frame) to visit units from time to time and have his aide carry a few Army Commendation Medals in his pocket. He would make "on the spot" awards.

Once, during an exercise called GALLANT KNIGHT, General Patrick unexpectedly showed up at the Brigade TOC. The HHC cook had actually gone to the time and trouble of exercising the field ovens that morning, and the cook had baked fresh bread for breakfast. It was much enjoyed after a week of eating tray packs and MRE's.

General Patrick walked into the TOC, looked at the maps, checked the deployment, etc., then asked the Brigade Commander "So, who deserves a medal today?" as he munched on some freshly baked bread.

The Colonel took a quick poll of the command staff and we all agreed: "The cook who got up at 0300 and baked the fresh bread for everybody."

General Patrick took another bite and realized what the cook had done, and said "Your're right, get him here."

So a runner went and woke up the cook, now sleeping in his cot in the afternoon, and had him report to the TOC. When he walked in, no doubt wondering what he had done wrong, there was the Division Commander who immediately pinned on the ARCOM. The orders followed about three weeks later. The citation was worded in broader terms of "exceptional meritorious servise in food preparation under field conditions, mastery of his MOS, skillful handling of field food service equipment, etc. but the bottom line was "An ARCOM for baking loaves of bread."

And it was well deserved.

[cbtengr]

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...edals/blbs.htm

For years I associated the BSM with combat, never knew you could get one in a support role.

"The award recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver Star. It also recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious service if the achievement or service is of a lesser degree than that deemed worthy of the Legion of Merit; but such service must have been accomplished with distinction. " Quote taken from above link.

I guess I am not the only one who has been under this assumption. Good story about the cook and the ARCOM, to me the award is more befitting of the deed. That is as long as the cook always went above and beyond and not just because of this one instance.

[Guy]

Originally Posted by khy3eb

Sir, PM sent.

I was there in that time-frame and you may remember me from the Iraqi Kids Day that happened every month? That MAJ C NEVER coordinated NOT one Iraqi Kids Day! I went out there and got those hundreds of "Iraqi" kids every month during that time-frame you guys were there.

Originally Posted by khy3eb
When I was in Iraq every member of my unit above the grade of E-8 got a BSM as an end of mission award. All the E4's and E5's got ARCOMs. And unlike a certain individual I have in mind right now (who was also awarded a BSM as an EOM award), it seems like this Tech Sergeant actually did her job and did it well.

But being finance myself I suppose I am a little biased.

Now, you know that I know that; the majority of your folks should've gotten nothing higher than AAM?

Stay safe.