Three of the District’s redeployed team members have completed their tour in Afghanistan and are settling in back in the Continental United States.
Each contributing individual accomplishments in theater and making an impact on the mission and Delivering the Program in this contingency environment.
From Logistics to Construction to overseeing a Detachment, Charles, Flowers, and Grimes have contributed winning advice and left lasting impressions on the team that remains doing what USACE does best, and that is Building Castle Strong.
1-The Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, Global War on Terrorism, and the NATO medals were presented to Vichous V. Charles for his commendable service as a Logistics Management Specialist in support of Operations Freedom’s Sentinel from March 19, 2017 to October 16, 2018. Mr. Charles was instrumental to the movement of all types of cargo both in Afghanistan and from Outside of the Continental United States to the Continental United States, a supply chain that stretches over 6,905 miles. His actions have also been the cornerstone of the supply ordering effort that supported 120 USACE members. He was very involved with the improving of the morale of all employees by preparing the special meals enjoyed by the district during the various holiday celebrations. Mr. Charles’ professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the mission reflect great credit upon himself, the Transatlantic Afghanistan District, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of the Army. Signed Jason E. Kelly, COL, EN Commanding
2-Lieutenant Colonel Frankie Flowers was presented with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and NATO medal for his exceptionally meritorious service from October 23, 2017 through October 2018 as the New Kabul Compound resident office detachment commander, Afghanistan District, USACE, while deployed in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Colonel Flowers provided leadership and guidance and facilitated the engineering effort of Army Civilians, U. S. Army Soldiers, and contractors. He directed security, logistics and life support requirements, setting priorities in conjunction with the Resident Engineer in order to allow the engineers, project managers, and construction representatives to execute their respective projects. The Distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Flowers reflect great credit upon himself, United State Forces Afghanistan, the U. S. Army, and the Department of Defense. Signed Daniel B. Conley, Brigadier General, U. S. Marine Corps, Deputy Commander, United States National Support Element-Afghanistan
3-Ted Grimes receives the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, Global War on Terrorism, and NATO medals for his outstanding service as a Construction Control Representative in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel from February 5, 2017 to October 16, 2018. Mr. Grimes demonstrated outstanding commitment to executing the program while assigned 19 separate projects valued at more than $40 million. He was the Construction Control Representative anchor on the Kabul Resident Office team, sustaining a continuous workload of 10 to 12 projects in various stages of construction. Mr. Grime’s professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the mission reflect great credit upon himself, the Transatlantic Afghanistan District, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of the Army. Signed Jason E. Kelly, COL, EN Commanding.
Others have deployed or are deploying to fill the responsibilities of these individuals so the USACE mission keeps a consistent flow of progress as we continue to "Deliver the Program" and projects to enable our Afghan partners their stability in the region.