Your fucking kidding right

[MARDIGRA21]

Didn't know you can get a bronze star for just doing your fucking job as a financial analyst. This is utter bullshit

That is truly sad.

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

by By Airman 1st Class Christina Coulson
JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs

3/22/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- An NCO from the 802nd Comptroller Squadron earned the Bronze Star March 14 for her actions in Afghanistan.

Tech. Sgt. Christina Gamez, a financial analyst in the 802nd CPTS, received the Bronze Star for meritorious service from Brig. Gen. Theresa A. Carter, 502nd Air Base Wing commander, prior to a commander's call at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

The Bronze Star is the U.S. military's fourth-highest individual decoration for bravery, heroism or meritorious service.

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.

"Ask me to recognize anyone else and I can talk for days, but to brag about myself, I'm not the best," Gamez said. "I feel like I did my job, kept a very busy pace and made improvements any place I could."

"I did my best to make a positive impact on the mission, and was surrounded by countless others doing the same," she said. "Between my husband, my leadership both here and in the field, and those who served with me, I had set the bar high. I am truly grateful for their support."

As the financial reviewer of the joint facilities utilization board, Gamez validated forward operating base requirements to provide the facilities in support of Operation Enduring Freedom missions.

Gamez took the lead as program manager to draft the statement of work, initiated the joint acquisition review board package and solicited estimates for a mass notification system. Her work will provide an early warning notification system to more than 2,500 personnel at the installation and a nearby camp in the event of imminent attack.

[Rickety Rob]

I guess shooting a weapon doesn't count now a days.

[BilgeRatBilly]

Obviously I don't have every detail, but shit like this just cheapens the medal if you ask me. You shouldn't get a bronze star for doing your job unless it involves danger.

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[sirjohnathon]

Surely there is more to it. I though there was some criteria where it was about attempting to advance the mission even though you thought it would result in imminent danger to yourself? The one friend I know personally who got his did it by running between cover multiple times to resupply ammo to a group of convoy drivers that had been ambushed and were taking heavy fire.

I thought commendations were for crap like doing your job in an exceptional manner.

[Pakman3000]

I remember when getting an AF Achievement medal was the big thing. Now they're giving out bronze stars? What's next? Purple Hearts for paper cuts?

[Bull3tBait]

Ok don't hit me but I have to jump in here. The Bronze star is the FOURTH Highest award for bravery, heroism OR MERITORIOUS service. It always has been. Not the highest, second highest or even third highest. FOURTH! You mIght want to look up the criteria for the Bronze Star because she met it.

I am an Army Comptroller. A Program Analyst to be exact, which is a part of the financial management field. I have a hell of a time managing 6 Programs, a shit ton of acquisition issues, plus all the rest of the Division needs and I'm a mentor. I work a lot of overtime due to the tough constraints that have been placed on us to be exact with our planning and spending. We have to be accountable for every dime now because of all the shit hitting the fan that the govt is not a good steward of the taxpayers money. It's not like it used to be when we could spend without a care.

If she really did everything they are awarding her for, which is a hell of a lot more than i do, she damn well deserves that medal. She got it for MERITORIOUS service. Not bravery or heroism, though I think anyone that deploys is brave.

I think it's pretty lame you guys are bashing her. If it were any of the awards above the bronze star, I would fully understand it. The next possible she may have been eligible for is the Legion of Merit but that would have been pushing it.

Shame on you all.


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[airbornedaddie]

i got one for being cool and easily liked.

[Bull3tBait]

i got one for being cool and easily liked.

There. See? Lol


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[CrzyChinook]

Ok don't hit me but I have to jump in here. The Bronze star is the FOURTH Highest award for bravery, heroism OR MERITORIOUS service. It always has been. Not the highest, second highest or even third highest. FOURTH! You mIght want to look up the criteria for the Bronze Star because she met it.

I am an Army Comptroller. A Program Analyst to be exact, which is a part of the financial management field. I have a hell of a time managing 6 Programs, a shit ton of acquisition issues, plus all the rest of the Division needs and I'm a mentor. I work a lot of overtime due to the tough constraints that have been placed on us to be exact with our planning and spending. We have to be accountable for every dime now because of all the shit hitting the fan that the govt is not a good steward of the taxpayers money. It's not like it used to be when we could spend without a care.

If she really did everything they are awarding her for, which is a hell of a lot more than i do, she damn well deserves that medal. She got it for MERITORIOUS service. Not bravery or heroism, though I think anyone that deploys is brave.

I think it's pretty lame you guys are bashing her. If it were any of the awards above the bronze star, I would fully understand it. The next possible she may have been eligible for is the Legion of Merit but that would have been pushing it.

Shame on you all.


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oohhh she told yall... lol j/k

yeah i gotta agree .. till i got in to the sasmo shop i never realized how intgrule logistics is to the war fighter... im the only one that wasnt a supply guy in a shop full if logistic guys/girl.. it can be a huge make or break for the mission if the logistics arent done properly... i was always on the other side of the fence and now i see the other side.. pretty impressive what some of these supply people do and get acomplished.... granted i never got a bronze ... but all i ever wanted was my Air Medal... earned that way too many times to count...

[jxspyder]

Bullet has a pretty solid point here, and some of you might want to brush up on your basic medal knowledge.

She was awarded a bronze star for meritorious achievement, which I believe is the 9th highest award overall, and is a non-combat award.

She was not awarded a Bronze Star with Valor device, i.e. the 4th highest combat award for heroism.


Before getting upset, you might want to doublecheck your facts. Most of you have an Achievement medal for deploying, correct? Your "I was there" medal? What she got was the officer version. For doing damn good at her job. Beyond what is expected, even. Nothing is being cheapened.


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[Bull3tBait]

oohhh she told yall... lol j/k

yeah i gotta agree .. till i got in to the sasmo shop i never realized how intgrule logistics is to the war fighter... im the only one that wasnt a supply guy in a shop full if logistic guys/girl.. it can be a huge make or break for the mission if the logistics arent done properly... i was always on the other side of the fence and now i see the other side.. pretty impressive what some of these supply people do and get acomplished.... granted i never got a bronze ... but all i ever wanted was my Air Medal... earned that way too many times to count...

Without the financial managers doing their part, you wouldn't have guns or the ammo to shoot out of them, the aircraft you fly, the vests you wear, the vehicles you drive, the comms systems, ........ We are a big team, but without us backing you and providing what you need, the mission won't happen. Plain and simple. We are constantly striving to field the newest and latest technologies. I'm on the R&D side of things, She was on the fielding side. Its funny how the behind the scenes guys get so little recognition. Take them away and lets see what happens?

I don't want any of you to think I'm belittling anything you did during your service. I'm just trying to show the point that there is a big team behind you guys doing everything in thier power to provide you with what's needed to get a mission done. We feel very proud when I mission is successful, not because of our part in it but because of yours. Is it really that hard for you to give credit or some recognition to those that helped you achieve a successful mission?

Thanks Chinook for recognizing this and thanks Spyder for the input on the Bronze Star.

I'm stepping off the podium now.


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[RogueScot]

I remember when getting an AF Achievement medal was the big thing.

It's not a big deal anymore? It was a big deal to me when I got it in '91. :)

[iamthesgt]

If she went above and beyond, I have no problem with it, as it has been pointed out it can be for non-combat service. If she was just doing her job, well...but I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt.

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[BilgeRatBilly]

It's not a big deal anymore? It was a big deal to me when I got it in '91. :)

Not really, as long as you do your job and don't get in trouble you're just about guaranteed to get one after a couple years (or whenever you PCS).

I've been thinking about this all day and after much deliberation and going back and forth on the issue I'm going to say sorry for my earlier statement. I fully understood before I made the comment that it could be given for for Merit but I just couldn't justify it in my mind. After thinking about it back and forth I feel as though it was a little harsh for me to say what I said. If you single-handedly were the badass of the base at your job while in serving a 365 in Afghanistan you probably deserve a little bit more than the Average Joe who is probably going to get a "Joint Achievement" or "Joint Commendation" medal for doing their wartime job and doing it well. I don't know the specifics of what she did, but to take on the roll that she did as a Jr NCO I'm going to roll with the punches knowing that her leadership wouldn't just put her in for a Bronze Star for the hell of it.

So.... Sorry for being an ass earlier.

[MuleTheDestroyer]

On my last deployment out was almost automatic that all e-7 and above got a bronze start for service, everyone else got an arcom. Regardless of a particular medals rank that little v device means a heck of a lot more than a legion of merit or other high ranking medals for service. They give out bronze stars like they would a msm for a pcs. The only awards that I get upset about being handed out ask wily nilly are the valor awards. There have been a few suspect silver stars that were handed out, like pat tillman and jessica lynch.

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[airbornedaddie]

The task force CDR for ground troops during the spearhead of OIF, a WELL KNOWN General now, had the Forces Command General pin a purple heart on him during our purple heart ceremony. They read a caption from each justification section to highlight the award as our CO did the pinning. They did this for all of our awards (7) except one...the task force CDR...they read his name and said "rewarded for injuries sustained during indirect fire" and a 4 star stepped out and pinned him...blah blah blah...we all were like WTF? Didn't know he got fucked up...later on that year, I was privy to a conversation between 2 CPT's from BDE at the smoke pit. They were fuming about a soldier that had his "V" knocked off a Bronze Star and down to a AR-COM with V. One said "man the fucking asshole is the only one to kick it back out of 10 folks, and he gets a fucking P. heart for a tent pole". I asked him whats that mean and he said the Col. was put in for the award from his driver and that it came from the tent next to the TOC being shelled and blowing the rfab over into him, cutting his shoulder.
This turd was cutting due awards from deserving hero's, meanwhile collecting his own shit for garbage...politics...

[airbornedaddie]

One of our clan mates, Infidel41 received the V device on an Arcom which had been shit stomped on at 82nd HQ from a Bronze Star origin. I think its pretty gangster, but he deserved a Silver Star IMHO...not trying to get off topic or boast, just remembered it when I was posting the other one...

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

One of our clan mates, Infidel41 received the V device on an Arcom which had been shit stomped on at 82nd HQ from a Bronze Star origin. I think its pretty gangster, but he deserved a Silver Star IMHO...not trying to get off topic or boast, just remembered it when I was posting the other one...

I mean if Jump can get a Bronze Star it's obviously not that hard... lol jk man. I think this is a crock, regardless of her Meritorious service, displaying Excellence in All We Do it a core value of the Air Force so doing your job well is just something you are required to do. I have met many people in other services that would kill for some of the cake jobs we Air Force cats have but seeing a Finance NCO with a Bronze Star doesn't help our "Chair Force" image one bit...

[Stonezulla]

I mean if Jump can get a Bronze Star it's obviously not that hard... lol jk man. I think this is a crock, regardless of her Meritorious service, displaying Excellence in All We Do it a core value of the Air Force so doing your job well is just something you are required to do. I have met many people in other services that would kill for some of the cake jobs we Air Force cats have but seeing a Finance NCO with a Bronze Star doesn't help our "Chair Force" image one bit...

I don't think they should give them out for merit. A guy in my old unit (combat camera) got one for saving an army dudes life in Iraq. And a couple more got one for deploying with army special forces. Totally above and beyond what they do on a day to day basis. And how many bronze stars have been awarded posthumously? Kind of cheapens it, with valor or not, to think that a finance troop, the worst office in the air force, gets the same medal that someone else had to die for.


I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more Tapatalk.

[Bull3tBait]

You guys just don't get it. *Bangs head on wall*. Stubborn, stubborn men.


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[squidfamily1]

You guys just don't get it. *Bangs head on wall*. Stubborn, stubborn men.


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I agree with bullet. She probably should have gotten a silver star. When you work in an office you totally deserve an award that people had to die to get in wwII and vietnam

[Stonezulla]

You guys just don't get it. *Bangs head on wall*. Stubborn, stubborn men.


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Oh I get it. I just think its wrong. Not wrong on the nco, but on the system.


I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more Tapatalk.

[Twizted875]

I agree with bullet. She probably should have gotten a silver star. When you work in an office you totally deserve an award that people had to die to get in wwII and vietnam

Lmao now this is funny but also quite sad

[squidfamily1]

Lmao now this is funny but also quite sad

It's sad because someone actually approved this. You know the world is going to hell when even the military has to jump in the "everbody's special" bandwagon. Just give her a dunkin' donuts gift card like every other office worker in america gets for a job well done

[BilgeRatBilly]

I was initially with all of you saying its a bunch of bull, but if the "system" says that the award can be given for merit then who are we to say she didn't deserve it? Its always been available like this, they're just starting to use it more now.

This event doesn't cheapen the award, what cheapens it is how they are being handed out like achievement medals. This nco isn't the only person who's gotten one for merit. Like someone else was saying E7s and above are almost always going to get one if they deploy.

Personally I think its stupid to give them out like this, but unless it gets amended (which it probably never will) you can't blame her. It may be sad but its the system.

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[squidfamily1]

I was initially with all of you saying its a bunch of bull, but if the "system" says that the award can be given for merit then who are we to say she didn't deserve it? Its always been available like this, they're just starting to use it more now.

This event doesn't cheapen the award, what cheapens it is how they are being handed out like achievement medals. This nco isn't the only person who's gotten one for merit. Like someone else was saying E7s and above are almost always going to get one if they deploy.

Personally I think its stupid to give them out like this, but unless it gets amended (which it probably never will) you can't blame her. It may be sad but its the system.

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I'm not blaming her. I blame the brass who plays politics with this stuff. Basically what you're saying, when you're considered special for showing up to work then there is a flaw inthe system. Not just the military but our society in general over the last 10-15 years.
Hey you're a slut on camera here's some notoriety, hey you're a bigger slut on camera here's a clothing line and reality tv show.
You haven't got any talent at all but you can make an ass of yoursel on camera living in new jersey, let's celebrate that.
I just miss the days when there wasn't as much whining and constant need for self promotion. I'd like to see agraphic on how many bronze stars have been awarded during the last 5 wars and go from there.

Once again, not bashing the recipient bashing the idea of gratuitous commedations for historically normal output of job performance

[Shadowdawn]

I have to side with Bull3t on this. We do not know if all this person did was her normal job or if she went above and beyond. To say that a person who is in a support roll and is giving it all they have and more does not deserve some credit is just wrong. The fault is with having an award that is a blanket catch all. It's kinda like the UCMJ...several different regs that all address one thing, so if they can't get you for one they can still get you. It should be two totally different awards(different names and different looks).

[jxspyder]

I mean if Jump can get a Bronze Star it's obviously not that hard... lol jk man. I think this is a crock, regardless of her Meritorious service, displaying Excellence in All We Do it a core value of the Air Force so doing your job well is just something you are required to do. I have met many people in other services that would kill for some of the cake jobs we Air Force cats have but seeing a Finance NCO with a Bronze Star doesn't help our "Chair Force" image one bit...
Guess what. There's a difference between "doing your job well", "doing what you're expected to do", and going above and beyond your job. The award is for Meritorious Service. Which is exactly what she did. It's justified, and unless you can do her job just as well as she can, you really don't have much room to open your mouth. She's not getting an award for doing her job. She's getting an award for going above and beyond her job expectations in a significant manner. "Meritorious Service" doesn't mean "doing your job to expectations."


I don't think they should give them out for merit. A guy in my old unit (combat camera) got one for saving an army dudes life in Iraq. And a couple more got one for deploying with army special forces. Totally above and beyond what they do on a day to day basis. And how many bronze stars have been awarded posthumously? Kind of cheapens it, with valor or not, to think that a finance troop, the worst office in the air force, gets the same medal that someone else had to die for.


I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more Tapatalk.
Actually, I'd say the fact that you don't understand, disregard, or simply don't care what the Valor device on that award stands for and means cheapens the award that all these people received a hell of a lot more than this awarded medal does.



I agree with bullet. She probably should have gotten a silver star. When you work in an office you totally deserve an award that people had to die to get in wwII and vietnam
Thanks for showing us that you don't have a clue as to what the Bronze Star actually is, and what that V device actually means. Or the point Bullet was trying to make. And your assumption that this is somehow a new thing is kind of hilarious. Want to know someone who doesn't deserve the Bronze Star they were awarded? My Battalion CSM, who spent his year in Iraq in our FOB...and left twice. Once to go to the Green Zone to get something from the PX, the second to go home. And barely did his job.



Lmao now this is funny but also quite sad
No, this thread is what is sad. And not funny in the least.


And the worst part of all of this, is that if they had bumped her up to the Legion of Merit, which is also a merit-based award, no one would say a word....even though it's even more prestigious. Ignorance at it's finest.

[Twizted875]

I think everyone is entitled to share their opinion without fear of being ridiculed.

[squidfamily1]

Guess what. There's a difference between "doing your job well", "doing what you're expected to do", and going above and beyond your job. The award is for Meritorious Service. Which is exactly what she did. It's justified, and unless you can do her job just as well as she can, you really don't have much room to open your mouth. She's not getting an award for doing her job. She's getting an award for going above and beyond her job expectations in a significant manner. "Meritorious Service" doesn't mean "doing your job to expectations."


Actually, I'd say the fact that you don't understand, disregard, or simply don't care what the Valor device on that award stands for and means cheapens the award that all these people received a hell of a lot more than this awarded medal does.



Thanks for showing us that you don't have a clue as to what the Bronze Star actually is, and what that V device actually means. Or the point Bullet was trying to make. And your assumption that this is somehow a new thing is kind of hilarious. Want to know someone who doesn't deserve the Bronze Star they were awarded? My Battalion CSM, who spent his year in Iraq in our FOB...and left twice. Once to go to the Green Zone to get something from the PX, the second to go home. And barely did his job.



No, this thread is what is sad. And not funny in the least.


And the worst part of all of this, is that if they had bumped her up to the Legion of Merit, which is also a merit-based award, no one would say a word....even though it's even more prestigious. Ignorance at it's finest.

Doesn't sound like you think it's hilarious. Sounds like you might actually be crying

[jxspyder]

Doesn't sound like you think it's hilarious. Sounds like you might actually be crying

Not crying, but I can't deny being a little disgusted.

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[DahliaBellona]

Can I just say one thing as former S1? The ones that actually read through, and processed this kind of stuff??
The thing is, is that I can see why troops get so angry at this shit. It's crap that someone who pulled out three Soldiers from a burning bradley gets a BSM while someone who literally did nothing but worry about their A/C working for a year gets the same medal.
There's the ARCOM for a reason. The Command, guaranteed (because every unit DOES do it, according to award statistics), gave this Financial Analyst soldier the same medal or higher than the one who literally got his hands dirty.
The Command should actually be ashamed of themselves....which is why I loved our Brigade commander during OIF V so much; to tell a Captain who sat in the TOC all year making Power Point presentations to STFU and quit crying while downgrading her award to an ARCOM from a BSM, is what a Commander should do.
9 times out of 10, the Commanders don't bother reading the descriptions of the original submittal of the award, and just sign off on it because of time constraints during End of Deployment awards....
Do I think the Financial Specialist deserved an award? Sure. But sure as hell not a BSM.

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[squidfamily1]

Not crying, but I can't deny being a little disgusted.

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Damn, drama

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

My theory on this whole thing is it really doesnt matter anymore cause people who are deserving of real shit rarely get what they deserve and the people who have important people in their pockets get consistently hooked up. The "good ol' boy" club is prevalent in all branches.

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[Bull3tBait]

I'm starting to feel this post is taking flight into the wrong direction. Yes everyone is entitled to their opinion on this. I think the debate needs to stop on it before it starts going too far.

The fact is. She got the medal. The fact is, it was for Merit which is within the guidelines for that medal (all of you, except Spyder need to read up on it). The fact is none of you, obviously, are financial analysts and have no clue what this job is like (well, except me). And the fact is, she probably saved a LOT of lives out there for the work she did that was "just her job" because she went above and beyond doing more than her share. Chinook even said it. Without the logistics done correctly the chance of mission success is pretty slim. There should be a lot of soldiers out there happy and grateful she did it correct.

Every Prestigious award recipient ive seen interviewed said they "just did their job?". Their job is to do the mission with as little loss of life as possible. Well so was hers, and lives depending on her (know it or not) are all the soldiers in the thick of it.

I'm really disappointed with a lot of you now. WOW, just WOW.




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[Pakman3000]

Can I just say one thing as former S1? The ones that actually read through, and processed this kind of stuff??
The thing is, is that I can see why troops get so angry at this shit. It's crap that someone who pulled out three Soldiers from a burning bradley gets a BSM while someone who literally did nothing but worry about their A/C working for a year gets the same medal.
There's the ARCOM for a reason. The Command, guaranteed (because every unit DOES do it, according to award statistics), gave this Financial Analyst soldier the same medal or higher than the one who literally got his hands dirty.
The Command should actually be ashamed of themselves....which is why I loved our Brigade commander during OIF V so much; to tell a Captain who sat in the TOC all year making Power Point presentations to STFU and quit crying while downgrading her award to an ARCOM from a BSM, is what a Commander should do.
9 times out of 10, the Commanders don't bother reading the descriptions of the original submittal of the award, and just sign off on it because of time constraints during End of Deployment awards....
Do I think the Financial Specialist deserved an award? Sure. But sure as hell not a BSM.

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On the money.

[Bull3tBait]

On the money.

Might be on the money Except the the soldier that got his hands dirty probably got the one for Valor instead of Merit. Two DIFFERENT awards here.


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[jxspyder]

Damn, drama

Pot, meet kettle?

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[jxspyder]

Damn, drama

This would be one of those "pot, meet kettle" moments.

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[DahliaBellona]

Might be on the money Except the the soldier that got his hands dirty probably got the one for Valor instead of Merit. Two DIFFERENT awards here.


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Nope. Still a BSM. With the "V" device is all dependent on the recommender; again, the fault of the command. A BSM is something extrodinary. Do you know how many times I've been compared with, and if not for MY job, no one would be notified of deaths. But I didn't deserve a BSM. An ARCOM was just fine by me for my service of deployment and all that I had done.
Every job has a vital part to play in the mission. Going over awards for Command was something that opened my eyes to the crap put in.

There's the lowest, (COA), then AAM, ARCOM, BSM (During deployment) and Silver Star. That's it, generally....
Now, tell me where that lies?? The "V" device is just a perk.

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[DahliaBellona]

And, if it was "Merit", there's the MSM.....

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[airbornedaddie]

For the ones who carry on about "E7's and above" or "support" troops that "are doing their job" and receive the BSM, please see the second portion of the requirements for the award...


"The Bronze Star medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in or with the military of the United States, distinguish themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force."

Something distinguished All these individuals enough that ALL Superiors AND Peers in the awards responsibility chain saw it was JUSTIFIED enough to sign off and/or NOT DOWNGRADE it. I'm with Dave here, some folks sound like they've been jaded or are just that blind to the fact that the BSM is a prestigious, diverse and historically respected award because its ALWAYS given in a time when extraordinary service earns an ARCOM. I don't want to come off as crass, (bc I like it here) but I have to mention (not Post!) my award that earlier I said was for "being cool and easily liked", that's only half true...the other halve was for meritorious acts of leadership...not "I did my job in theater", just in case I was fodder elsewhere because of my SIG.

My Mom loves it and keeps it on her mantle, next to my Grandpa's! Hell, my wife wants to tag our vehicles with it...that, I'll do when it becomes free as DV should be...

[airbornedaddie]

Nope. Still a BSM. With the "V" device is all dependent on the recommender; again, the fault of the command.
There's the lowest, (COA), then AAM, ARCOM, BSM (During deployment) and Silver Star. That's it, generally....
Now, tell me where that lies?? The "V" device is just a perk.

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-100K here, bud. The V device is far from a recommendation from the commander to me...

The "V" (valor) device is worn to denote personal valor (combat heroism) in combat with an armed enemy of the United States

It can be affixed to any of the following:


Medal of Honor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor) (MOH) (to denote a subsequent award)
Legion of Merit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legion_of_Merit) (LOM) (Navy and Marine Corps only)
Distinguished Flying Cross (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Flying_Cross) (Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force only)
Bronze Star Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_Star_Medal) (BSM)
Air Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Medal) (AM)
Joint Service Commendation Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Service_Commendation_Medal) (JSCM)
Army Commendation Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Commendation_Medal) (ARCOM)
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_and_Marine_Corps_Commendation_Medal)
Air Force Commendation Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Commendation_Medal)
Coast Guard Commendation Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Guard_Commendation_Medal)
Army Achievement Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Achievement_Medal) (AAM)
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_and_Marine_Corps_Achievement_Medal)
Air Force Achievement Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Achievement_Medal)
Coast Guard Achievement Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Guard_Achievement_Medal)
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Outstanding_Unit_Award)
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Organizational_Excellence_Award)



I normally would say you sound disrespectful to the award with the "perk" comment... but these are semi-normal times around the way...:confused:

[DahliaBellona]

-100K here, bud. The V device is far from a recommendation from the commander to me...

The "V" (valor) device is worn to denote personal valor (combat heroism) in combat with an armed enemy of the United States

It can be affixed to any of the following:


Medal of Honor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor) (MOH) (to denote a subsequent award)
Legion of Merit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legion_of_Merit) (LOM) (Navy and Marine Corps only)
Distinguished Flying Cross (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Flying_Cross) (Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force only)
Bronze Star Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_Star_Medal) (BSM)
Air Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Medal) (AM)
Joint Service Commendation Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Service_Commendation_Medal) (JSCM)
Army Commendation Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Commendation_Medal) (ARCOM)
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_and_Marine_Corps_Commendation_Medal)
Air Force Commendation Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Commendation_Medal)
Coast Guard Commendation Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Guard_Commendation_Medal)
Army Achievement Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Achievement_Medal) (AAM)
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_and_Marine_Corps_Achievement_Medal)
Air Force Achievement Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Achievement_Medal)
Coast Guard Achievement Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Guard_Achievement_Medal)
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Outstanding_Unit_Award)
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Organizational_Excellence_Award)



I normally would say you sound disrespectful to the award with the "perk" comment... but these are semi-normal times around the way...:confused:

Okay; out of context, I take that back; however, the "V" device is "With Valor"...I do understand the regs; however, it seems that the BSM is just "handed out" to about anyone; because, maybe not you, but, personally I've seen the award just given to those who sat behind a desk all damned year while serious heroic actions are given a "thumbs up"....I mean like I said; people now and days want that BSM on their ERB's or ORB's knowing it gives them a promotion advantage...is that really right? If your achievements went seriously above and beyond during deployment, you deserve that BSM....
I'm in no way disrespecting the "V" device. I'm not an asshole, my husband has an ARCOM-V.
He works with a Silver Star w/Gallantry receipient in their unit.
I worked as S1 (Human Resources) during deployments and garrison. I do know that due to time constraints, those awards are not always read thoroughly, and are passed off to the adjutant to meet numbers....
My choice of words were wrong...my bad.
But I would never disrespect the awards given.
I've seen too much shit, and disrespect for the meaning of it...
Trust me, this discussion went on at the end of every deployment within our unit.

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[DahliaBellona]

And it IS up to recommendation on the 638. Either you get it with, or without; it's up to the recommender of the award.

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[airbornedaddie]

And it IS up to recommendation on the 638. Either you get it with, or without; it's up to the recommender of the award.


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I said "to me", as in anyone can concur, I meant a V is the studdly-do rite of the do-rites! Your husband gets air high five...Where on Bragg,Troubleshooter?

[DahliaBellona]

I said "to me", as in anyone can concur, I meant a V is the studdly-do rite of the do-rites! Your husband gets air high five...Where on Bragg,Troubleshooter?

Not even going to bother...my bad...won't tell you either...
"Troubleshooter." :)

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[airbornedaddie]

okee dokee...didn't mean any harm...have a good morning...

[DahliaBellona]

okee dokee...didn't mean any harm...have a good morning...

Neither did I. Just that makes me cringe as much as "Highspeed" does.

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[jxspyder]

Neither did I. Just that makes me cringe as much as "Highspeed" does.

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Highspeed and low drag huh? Or lowspeed, highdrag as the case may be?

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[Bull3tBait]

What we have here is an issue where a few people are strongly arguing that she didn't deserve this medal. People who did not work with her nor do they know for fact what she did or how she did it. There is the assumption that just because others have seen these medals handed out willy nilly that she got it for "just doing her job". The member that said "who are we to judge whether she deserves this medal or not?" is absolutely correct. It just saddens me that a lot of you immediately turn on one of your comrade in arms (regardless of whether they got their hands dirty or not) like that based on assumptions, and what seems to be resentment, and is starting to look a bit like jealousy.

Yes they are giving more medals out and the word that came down through our Human Resources is because management has become too damn lazy to recognize their subordinates for exceptional jobs. The system is by no means perfect and sure people will get them that don't deserve them, but as I said, NONE of you that are bashing her, have worked with her, nor do you know anything about her job so you have no basis to judge on this particular award recipient, regardless of the medal she was given. Like Spyder put out there, would you have had this reaction if she had got the Legion of Merit Award? I'm betting not. and the LoM is the Third highest award if I remember correctly.

[DahliaBellona]

Chele...you're right. I do let my personal experiences get in the way of judgement at times; however, I am just pointing out what does happen within the system a hell of a lot more than it used to...one reason I am so glad the SMA is cleaning up the Army come Monday....
I'm not jealous...I got what I felt I deserved, and am proud of all I'd done. My Chief and NCOIC deserved the hell out of their BSM's for their hard ass work in what they'd done during deployments; but seeing so much that had done nothing, and reading the bullshit bullets on the recommendations that I was forced to pass on to command that would just sign off on it to get rid of the pile on their desks just made me irritated for others that just got what I felt they deserved to be better....
Finance and Human Resources work hand in hand. We bust our asses for the hard work in ensuring Soldiers have no worry while they're out getting shot at.
I was the middle man to ensure families were properly notified of their KIA and WIA troops.
BSM's are abused as much as the CAB's now, that the higher ups are trying to rectify currently, which is why they're trying to push that MSM's be given instead of BSM's....
because they technically ARE the same level of award, just one is generally, by regulation, given in garrison. The only thing changing that are MILPER messages.
But, I stand by what I said the first time around....
Once you've read enough recommendations on the DA Form 638's, you'd see what I and so many others are talking about.

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[KaNtSt0PMeH]

I agree with you here Ares, I think most of people in this forum including myself are not mad at TSgt Gomez because in all honesty if someone came up to any of us and said hey man heres a BSM we would be stoked and think wholeheartedly that we deserved it. Its the inflated system to which awards and decs are being pumped out as now. I know as far as the AF is concerned our EPRs are the same way. Its a completely flawed system that the higher-ups refuse to acknowledge.

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[Bull3tBait]

Well that's cool. It really looked like it was her you all were bashing and here I am trying to defend her because I know exactly how hard her job really is.

Since that's not the case and you are bashing the system, well.....bash away.


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[MuleTheDestroyer]

Look I am combat arms and am really surprised that there is this much hooplah over awards. It shouldn't be any surprise that for service awards therank of the recipient matters more than their actions. Look at the awards that general odeirno is wearing. What do you suppose he did to earn that distinguished service cross? Probably been a rally long time since he been in a combat situation. The bsm is given out like an msm is except out is only given on deployments. So arcom with valor is more meaningful than a service bsm. And you can tell that by looking at it when they wear their uniform. You can't keep giving people the same medals over and over through out their careers, a specialist would have the same five ribbons as a bde csm just not as many shiny things attached. People get aam and sometimes arcom for winning boards and doing well on a training exercise at jrtc or ntc. They should get a bigger award for a combat deployment even though their specific job never takes them out of the wire. As long as the value awards don't start getting given away for stupid things I have no problem with a finance officer getting a bsm for doing a good job over an entire deployment.

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[MARDIGRA21]

Ok sorry I was angry, apparently in the army and air force they give these out like candy to e7 and above on deployment automatically (said from my co-workers who are USAF and USA ). On the navy side I never seen them given out like this, its usually a big deal to us. I let my emotions get to me because of friends more deserving than a bronze star got downgraded to a comm or nam. Oh well I guess that's the difference between services. Enjoyed hearing everyone else's perspective on this. Btw I was never flaming the recipient only the system and command

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

Ok sorry I was angry, apparently in the army and air force they give these out like candy to e7 and above on deployment automatically (said from my co-workers who are USAF and USA ). On the navy side I never seen them given out like this, its usually a big deal to us. I let my emotions get to me because of friends more deserving than a bronze star got downgraded to a comm or nam. Oh well I guess that's the difference between services. Enjoyed hearing everyone else's perspective on this. Btw I was never flaming the recipient only the system and command

Yeah I know what you mean Mardi, I have yet to meet any E-7s and above that have won the BSM at my base, we deploy a lot so it's surprising especially being on the flightline which is the AF's bread and butter

[ASignorelli]

This is what happens when Brig. Gen. Theresa A. Carter is directly in charge of you I guess? LOL

[Rickety Rob]

This is what happens when Brig. Gen. Theresa A. Carter is directly in charge of you I guess? LOL

WOW! hahaha!