3rd BSTB Soldiers Awarded

Lt. Col. Todd Ratliff awards Sgt. Kenneth Hay, mission commander for 3rd HBCT’s unmanned aircraft system, with the Army Commendation Medal Aug. 2.

SGT. NATALIE ROSTEK
3RD HBCT, 3RD INF. DIV. PAO
FOB HAMMER — As the sun set over FOB Hammer, Brigade Special Troop Battalion Soldiers stood in formation Aug. 2, some to receive awards, some to be promoted, and others to support their fellow comrades.

According to Lt. Col. Todd Ratliff, BSTB commander, the battalion provides essential intelligence for daily combat operations and communications for tactical and strategic operations. The unit also participates in daily combat patrols for key leader engagements and disrupts enemy improvised explosive device operations.

Soldiers of the BSTB also man the FOB Hammer detention facility. “The Soldiers of the battalion are doing exceptional maintaining operations and equipment in this harsh desert environment where the daily average temperature exceeds 115 degrees.” Ratliff said. “Most Americans cannot understand this and that is why I am so proud of these exceptional Soldiers.

I am proud of their efforts and accomplishments.” During the ceremony, six Soldiers were promoted to the ranks of sergeant and staff sergeant, seven received Combat Action Badges for actively participating in combat operations,and 10 were awarded the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding service to their unit, the Army and the nation.

3rd BSTB Promotion/Award Recipients
Promotion — Sergeant to Staff Sergeant
Staff Sgt. James Gately, HHT
Staff Sgt. Luke Lewis, HHC
Staff Sgt. Mary Mueller, Co. A
Staff Sgt. James Tucker, Co. A
Promotion — Specialist to Sergeant
Sgt. Daniel Boeken, Co. A
Sgt. Erica Mears, Co. B
Combat Action Badge
1st Lt. Darren Moe, HHC
Sgt. Sean Gilloon, HHC
Spc. Matthew Bedortha, HHC
Spc. Victor Desoto, HHC
Spc. Joseph Robinson, HHC
Pfc. Todd Boetticher, Co. A
Pfc. Michael Culbertson, HHC
Pfc. David Dimurorodriquez, HHC
Pfc. Jonathan Mummert, HHT
Army Commendation Medal
Sgt. Kenneth Hay, Co. A
Sgt. Russell Dutton, HHT
Pfc. Michael Schatz, HHC
Army Achievement Medal
Staff Sgt. Wayne Felkins Jr., HHT
Staff Sgt. Derrick Mears, HHT
Staff Sgt. Demetria Streeter, Co. B
Sgt. Gregory Bowling, HHT
Spc. Cynthia Clabaugh, Co. A
Pfc. Cristen Micu, Co. A
Pfc. Ladell B. Pollard, HHC