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Salute to Freedom Gala October 4, 2008 |
2008 Salute to Freedom Celebration
2008 Service Hero of the Year Awards
The USO of North Carolina's
2008 Salute to Freedom Celebration honors one Hero of the Year from each branch of the Armed Forces.
We are honored to present to you our heroes for 2008.
2008 USO Soldier of the Year
U.S. Army, Fort Bragg
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Staff Sergeant Robinson is currently stationed with the 37th Engineer Battalion.
Staff Sergeant Robinson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in recognition of his exceptionally meritorious service
in Task Force Eagle, Task Force Warrior, and Task Force Zabul during Operation Enduring Freedom VII.
He served as the Second Squad Leader for 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 37th Engineer Battalion.
Staff Sergeant Robinson led his squad through a major operation, Operation Medusa and in support of
Canadian Infantry and Engineer Forces. For 34 days, he led the Soldiers of his squad and the Canadian Explosive
Ordinance Disposal team on several missions that placed him and his squad away from the rest of the platoon to operate
independently. Some of his achievements during this time were: leading his Soldiers in the destruction of seven
Improvised Explosive Devices, numerous vehicle recovery missions; mounted and dismounted route clearance missions, search of
buildings and fields, mass casualty evacuation, and the destruction of four complex bunker systems.
While participating in Operation Medusa and operating in a cleared area in the city of Pashmul, Panjwayi District, Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Robinson's squad was setting up Soldiers and vehicles to re-clear a route. As he was ground guiding the Husky mine clearing vehicle onto the road, the Husky struck a triple-stacked anti-tank mine. After being knocked to the ground by the blast, he immediately got back up and ran to the vehicle to extract his injured Soldier, yelling for the medic and started administering first response medical aid. Because of his quick actions and calm demeanor, the Platoon Leader was able to accurately assess the situation, call in the medical evacuation, and get the injured Soldier the help that he needed. His selflessness continued even to the point after he lost his foot.
Staff Sergeant Robinson led his Soldiers on over 100 missions in support of convoy logistical patrols for Task Force Warrior, putting him out on more than 20,000 miles of road in five provinces and dozens of districts across Afghanistan. Additionally he took an active role in the development of brand new platoon leaders and developing Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) with other NCOs to adjust to the ever changing enemy's TTPs.
By persevering through his injury, his service is an example to his Soldiers, earning respect of his peers, superiors, and subordinates in the United States Army.
Staff Sergeant Gregory C. Robinson hails from Rosiclare, IL. His favorite past times are 4 wheeling, scuba diving and the great outdoors. But all those fun activities will probably slow way down as SSG Robinson’s beautiful bride, Amanda is expecting their first baby shortly. SSG Robinson feels his greatest accomplishment was being able to return to jump status and leading soldiers after recovering from his wounds received in combat. His personal decorations are the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with combat V, six Army Achievement Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, two NCO Professional Development Ribbons, two Army Service Ribbons, two Overseas Service Ribbons, two NATO medals, the Combat Action Badge and Army Parachutist Badge.
2008 USO Marine of the Year
U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Lejeune
Staff Sergeant Garrett distinguished himself by his heroism serving with
Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment as the Platoon Sergeant for 2nd Platoon.
Throughout four months of sustained combat operations, Staff Sergeant Garrett led cordon and search operations
within the city of Ramadi, resulting in the capture of several known insurgents. During each operation, he led the
execution of detainee handling procedures; quickly controlling and searching all military age males, and removing all
occupants of the houses in order to allow the assault and search elements unimpeded movement to clear and search the
residence or compound.
Staff Sergeant Garrett was in the lead vehicle of a four vehicle convoy that was engaged by an Improvised Explosive Device, initiating an ambush. The IED triggered the enemy to engage the vehicles with machine gun and small arms fire. Initially knocked out from the explosion, he sent a contact report to the combat operations center and organized the vehicle retrieval under enemy fire. With complete disregard for his safety and without hesitation, he left the safety of his vehicle, under intense enemy fire to move the casualty and the destroyed vehicle out of the kill zone.
He specifically distinguished himself when another IED wounded several members of his platoon. He grouped the platoon and seamlessly transitioned into the Platoon Commander billet with fierce determination after his Platoon Commander was medically evacuated. His composed demeanor and decisive actions were directly responsible for saving the lives of two Marines during combat operations. Additionally, Staff Sergeant Garrett served as the watch officer and was a direct representative of the Company Commander, advising unit leaders and maneuver units outside of friendly lines during IED attacks and other hostile situations, coordinating with adjacent units and the Battalion Command Operations Center.
Staff Sergeant Garrett’s dedication, aggressiveness and genuine concern for the welfare of the Marines continue to have a positive effect on the platoon throughout the deployment. His display of the bold spirit of a warrior, fearless attitude, tactical competence and phenomenal leadership is an inspiration to all those serving with him.
Staff Sergeant Craig Garrett, from Jacksonville FL, feels his greatest accomplishment is continuing a family tradition of serving on active duty. His father is a Naval Academy graduate, was a Naval Aviator for 30 years, and most importantly is his greatest role model. His grandfather was also a Naval aviator during WWII flying hellcats and bearcats. And if that wasn’t enough – his maternal grandfather first enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1948 and then attended the Naval Academy receiving a Naval commission and served 20 years as an aviator as well. SSgt Garrett says that being a member of the armed forces is the greatest honor to him and he is thankful everyday to carry on the tradition and legacy of all retired military persons in this country. He is married to the beautiful Crystal Ann and they are expecting a baby boy on November 7th. He enjoys going to the beach, watching movies and spending time with Crystal. SSgt Garrett’s personal awards consist of the Joint Service Achievement Medal; three Navy & MC Achievement Medals, one with combat V; three Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals; Combat Action Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Kosovo Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; NATO Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three bronze stars for subsequent award.
2008 USO Sailor of the Year
U.S. Navy, Camp Lejeune
HM2 (FMF) Hallahan was awarded the Navy Air Medal with First Strike/Flight Award for meritorious achievement in the superior performance of his duties as a Casualty Evacuation Corpsman with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-364 and 161, Marine Aircraft Group29 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. While successfully completing 82 combat hours over Iraq, Petty Officer Hallahan significantly contributed to the prompt aero-medical evacuation of Marines, Soldiers and sailors, which greatly enhanced their survivability on the battlefield in the Global War on Terrorism.
Throughout this period, his technical and tactical acumen, mission-oriented focus and dedication ensured victory in the skies and on the ground.
While assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 29, he volunteered to fly continuous combat missions, 36 missions in all. He transported 171 patients throughout the area of operations of Raleigh, Denver, Topeka, Anaheim and Multi-national Force Baghdad, North and South.
Saving lives and delivering the highest quality of patient care was his primary goal.
Petty Officer Hallahan added to his resume with the collateral duty as a patient evacuation tracking Petty Officer, tracking over 2300 patients, countless injuries, dispositions, pick-up and drop–off points of all patients transported by the CASEVAC movements within Al Anbar Province. He redesigned the Marine Corps CASEVAC patient tracking database, saving over 20 man-hours per month in data input procedures.
Knowing the importance of how a CASEVAC is initiated and being dedicated to the success of the mission, he assisted in the training of 100 Marines on the proper procedures utilized for calling a 9-line, landing zone preparations and proper patient loading into the CH-46 helicopter. Additionally, Petty Officer Hallahan spent more than 40 off –duty hours building a video used for presentation to the Bureau of Medicine, Force Master Chief, and Headquarters Marine Corps Force Master Chief showcasing the CASEVAC mission. This video is now used in training evolutions for the new CASEVAC class and the En-route Care Nurse Familiarization Training Course.
HM2 Hallahan's superior airmanship, perseverance and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class John Patrick Hallahan, III is from Litchfield, MN. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences. When he is not volunteering at the local soup kitchen and food bank, he enjoys playing football, volleyball and billiards. His greatest accomplishments are graduating from the University of Michigan and convincing the stunning Deidra to marry him. His hobbies are football, volleyball and billiards. Petty Officer Hallahan’s personal awards consist of the Air Medal with 1 Strike Flight; Navy and MC Commendation Medal Award; Navy Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal with Eagle, Globe and Anchor – signifying his service with the Marine Corps; Iraq Campaign Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
2008 USO Airman of the Year
U.S. Air Force, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
Staff Sergeant La Barr was recently selected as the 4th Fighter Wing, 9th Air Forces, Air Combat Command’s Outstanding Airman of the Year due to his technical and tactical expertise, commendable leadership and outstanding accomplishment as a military policeman, specializing as an Explosive Detection K-9 Handler.
He has spent 12 of the past 24 months in support of the War on Terrorism both in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant La Barr conducted over 90 critical combat patrols, encompassing Baghdad, Iraq and the surrounding areas of Forward Operating Base Asadabad, Afghanistan with his K-9 partners “Frisco” and “Carlos” while he was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division and the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan, Task Force 33. He braved indirect fire, cleared the route for both coalition military and Iraqi Police patrols and immediately engaged and repelled enemy attacks on several occasions.
Staff Sergeant La Barr aided in 10 operations searching local national shops, locating a vast number of unauthorized multi-media devices, thus preventing critical data from being provided to insurgent groups. Additionally, when Forward Operating Base Loyalty’s ammunition holding area was breeched, both he and Frisco searched for over 10 hours in an attempt to locate the explosives before a hostile act could occur.
He also conducted in excess of 300 hours of searching vehicles, baggage and local national shops safeguarding tenants, including numerous sweeps after indirect fire engagements locating dangerous unexploded ordnance. These searches removed dangerous munitions from enemy hands and degraded insurgent operations, not to mention the savings of untold numbers of both American and Coalition lives.
Staff Sergeant La Barr possesses the unwavering commitment and courage as a true American Hero; however, he says that every medal, award, or citation he has earned was because of his faithful companions Frisco and Carlos.
Staff Sergeant Adam La Barr is from Rome, NY. He enjoys motorcycles and golf and is an avid volunteer for the local Adopt-a-Highway; Army Civil Affairs food and medical distributions, and addresses conferences on Air Force Deployment issues. SSgt La Barr’s personal awards are the Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal; Air force Recognition Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border and one oak leaf cluster, Small Arms Expert Ribbon with one device, NATO medal and the Army Combat Action Badge. He was Seymour Johnson’s NCO of the Year, 9th Air Force Airman of the Year. He feels his greatest accomplishment was being awarded the 9th Air Force Airman of the Year.
2008 USO Coast Guardsman of the Year
U.S. Coast Guard, Air Station Elizabeth City
Aviation Maintenance Technician Second Class (AMT2) Higgins was recognized by
Congressional Record of the 110th Congress and received his second Coast Guard Commendation Medal
for his extraordinary and heroic achievements during an arduous lifesaving Search and Rescue Case on May 7, 2008.
He was serving as the Flight Mechanic aboard Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter 6014 when it was dispatched to recover
three mariners from the stricken sailing vessel Sean Seamour II. The vessel had foundered after encountering
sub-tropical storm Andrea which packed 70 knot winds and waves of 40-50 feet. The sailors were forced to
abandon their vessel into a small inflatable life-raft 225 miles southeast of Elizabeth City.
AMT2 Higgins’ crew arrived on scene and discovered the raft skimming across the mountainous waves after losing its sea anchor under the strain of the tumultuous seas. Upon finalizing a course of action, he expertly lowered the Rescue Swimmer into the ocean. After successfully completing the first lifesaving hoist, AMT2 Higgins applied outstanding aeronautical acumen as he recovered the Rescue Swimmer and repositioned him nearer the rapidly moving raft.
With intense focus, AMT2 Higgins skillfully performed another demanding hoist saving the second mariner. He again repositioned the Rescue Swimmer as the winds continued to push the raft across the wave tops. As the wind and sea continued their relentless assault, AMT2 Higgins expertly performed the hoist of the last survivor.
After 30 minutes of nearly continuous physically draining hoisting, and with the cable beginning to fray, AMT2 Higgins quickly recovered the exhausted Rescue Swimmer after he gave the emergency pick up signal. Finally, with the hypothermic, but grateful survivors safely aboard, CG6014 flew to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point for required medical attention.
Petty Officer Higgins performed as a consummate professional in a life-or-death rescue that resulted in the saving of three lives. His expertise, dedication and judgment are the consistent reflection of the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.
Petty Officer Higgins is from Portsmouth, RI and has earned a degree in Aviation Maintenance from Spartan School of Aeronautics. When he’s not maintaining aircraft, you can find him spending time either hunting or fishing or with his beautiful wife Jessica and two adorable children, Gavin and Destinee. Petty Officer Higgins personal awards consist of two U.S. Coast Guard Commendation Medals; Army Achievement Medal; U.S. Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal with 3 bronze stars for subsequent awards; Global War on Terrorism Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon and the Transportation 9-11 ribbon. PO Higgins has also been recognized by Congressional Record of the 110th Congress. But he feels his greatest accomplishment was helping to establish the Coast Guard’s first deployable Counter Terrorism Team, the Maritime Security Response Team. He wrote the tactical Vertical Insertion syllabus and established standards for training and certifying flight mechanics and aerial gunners assigned to the MSRT on three different weapons systems: the MK-18; M14T and the M240H.
2008 USO National Guardsman of the Year
North Carolina National Guard, Wallace
Staff Sergeant Emanuel Pickett was awarded the Bronze Star Medal on April 7, 2008 for meritorious service while assigned to 1132nd Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
His commitment contributed to our Nation’s ongoing War on Terror and his actions represented his dedication to the security of the United States of America. Staff Sergeant Pickett’s sincere desire to bring peace and stability to a foreign nation is an example of what all American Soldiers strive to achieve. No greater honor can be demonstrated by his ultimate sacrifice and he will be forever remembered for his actions.
On April 6, 2008, during Staff Sergeant Pickett’s second tour to Iraq, he was stationed at the Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah, Iraq when his squad started to receive an indirect mortar attack. Quickly, he rallied his squad into the safety of a nearby bunker. Once he was certain that all his Soldiers were accounted for, he turned to see that the bunker door had not been shut. Without delay and concern for his own life, Staff Sergeant Pickett returned to shut the door when it received indirect fire from the enemy and he was fatally wounded.
Staff Sergeant Pickett epitomized the United States Army Creed. He was a Warrior and a member of the Team. He faithfully served the people of the United States of America and lived the Army Values every day. He always placed the mission first, never quit and would never leave a fallen comrade behind. He died doing what he liked to do, and served so that his children could continue to enjoy the freedoms that this great Nation provides for all citizens.
During a memorial service in his honor in Iraq, his company commander stated, "Sergeant Pickett served his Country, his community, his family, his friends and fellow Soldiers with a gentle smile and easy words. He did so with a strong hand yet a compassionate heart. He served because he was a leader who cared not only about the outcome, but the path that was traveled to reach the end result. He served because he wanted to make a difference in the lives of people he did not know, in the lives of his children and family, in the lives of his Soldiers, and in the lives of his friends."
Staff Sergeant Pickett called Teachey, NC his hometown and enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard shortly after his eighteenth birthday on January 30, 1992. In civilian life, SSG Pickett joined the Wallace Police Department in 1995 and had served as an officer since that time. He was remembered there as “a very intelligent, very professional, and very focused individual.” He was very active in his support for youth sports activities in his community, and also worked part time as a butcher, which was another of his many passions.
Staff Sergeant Pickett’s personal awards consist of Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous); Purple Heart (Posthumous); Meritorious Service Medal (Posthumous); Army Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters; Army Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device; Army Service Ribbon; Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral "2"; Overseas Service Ribbon; North Carolina Meritorious Service Medal (Posthumous); Combat Action Badge (Posthumous).
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