DynCorp International (DI) recently recognized 26 of its personnel with the Chairman’s Valor Award for their heroic efforts serving on the Afghanistan Ministry of Defense Program (AMDP). The award honors the individuals for their heroic efforts during a terrorist attack on Camp Pinnacle in Afghanistan on July 2, 2013.
“Each day, DynCorp International team members do extraordinary things to support programs around the world. It is part of the mission we embrace, and part of the commitment we have made to our customers,” said Steve Gaffney, DynCorp International chairman and CEO. “But on July 2, 2013, the unthinkable occurred in the form of a terrorist attack on Camp Pinnacle in Afghanistan, and 26 individuals serving on the AMDP program opened our eyes to a new definition of extraordinary.”
DynCorp International’s Chairman’s Valor Award is one of the company’s highest awards. It is presented to those who have exemplified bravery and heroism in the execution of their responsibilities. It recognizes those who voluntarily risk their lives to save or attempt to save the life of another person, or who voluntarily make sacrifices in a heroic manner for the benefit of others.
Camp Pinnacle came under attack when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, breaching a camp wall, destroying living quarters and providing an opening for insurgent attackers to gain access to the compound, the company said, noting that the DI team members honored with the Chairman’s Valor Award acted selflessly and courageously, saving countless lives.
“While there are many acts that haven’t been catalogued and may never be formally recognized, these individuals acted as heroes that day. Some placed themselves in harm’s way to engage insurgents, exposing themselves to hostile fire to save a colleague. Many went building-by-building to search for the wounded who might be trapped and unable to seek assistance,” said Mel Booker, DynCorp International’s vice president of training. “As a team, they worked through the heat of the day without food, digging through rubble, collecting sensitive items and shuttling people and equipment to safety.”
The following DI personnel were awarded with the Chairman’s Valor Award:
• Bryan Burton of Starkville, Miss.
• Greg Chaffer of Carrolton, Va.
• Valentin “Sorin” Chirila of Bucharest, Romania
• Paul Wayne Christensen, II, of Locust Grove, Ga.
• Razvan C. Ciociu of Magnolia, Romania
• Guy R. Cordle of Orofino, Idaho
• David C. Damrell of Houston, Texas
• Jack Doraty of Santa Fe, Texas
• Branko Dzomlija of Gauteng, South Africa
• Stanley Fudor of Seven Fields, Penn.
• Joseph Gasparri of Waterbury, Conn.
• Jay Gazani of Walnut Hill, Fla.
• Jeffery Gerds of Drydew, Mich.
• Davion Hart of Augusta, Ga.
• Daniel Herman of St. Augustine, Fla.
• Johnny Jett of Davenport, Fla.
• Randy Lambert of New Orleans, La.
• Jeremiah Lignitz of Bo Canton, Ga.
• Christopher Losinno of Lancaster, Penn.
• Marvin Marshall of Lochbuie, Colo.
• Georges Perez of France
• Robert Rahn of Stratford, Wisc.
• Jeffrey Rippen of Decatur, Ala.
• Zoran Trajkov of Kratovo, Macedonia
• Allen Williams of Leesburg, Va.
Under the AMDP contract with the U.S. Army, DI assists the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan/Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (NTM-A/CSTC-A) by providing training and mentoring services for the Afghanistan Ministry of Interior and Afghan National Police.
DynCorp International, based in McLean, provides global services for commercial, military and government customers, offering unique, tailored solutions for an ever-changing world.
