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(L to R): John Gastright, David Lyons, Lemuel Rivera-Gonzalez, David Holmes, Harry William Harp, Jr., Steven Shugart
Gastright presents award to Holmes
FALLS CHURCH, VA - Representatives from DynCorp International (DI) recently gathered in Afghanistan to recognize four team members working in support of the Afghanistan Ministry of Interior and Afghan National Police Program (AMDP) for their extraordinary efforts in supporting the mission with a Chairman's Valor Award.
The Chairman's Valor Award - the highest recognition given by DI - was presented to embedded police mentors Harry William Harp, Jr., of Palmetto, Ga., David Holmes of Concord, Ga., David Lyons of Fryeburg, Maine, and Lemuel Rivera-Gonzalez of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
· Harp exhibited great courage during an enemy attack by assisting in administering care and transportation for coalition members, ultimately saving an American soldier's life.
· When the base where Holmes was located came under attack, he coordinated transportation and first aid, which resulted in saving three U.S. soldiers' lives.
· During a training patrol, Lyons and Rivera-Gonzalez provided cover for their Afghan and U.S. colleagues who came under insurgent fire in a local village, and were able to clear an intersection allowing safe passage for the team to quickly leave the area.
Afghan colleagues attended the ceremony which included a special address from Major General Kenneth R. Dahl, Deputy Commanding General-Support, United States Forces-Afghanistan.
DynCorp International's vice president of government relations, John Gastright, and Steven Shugart, vice president, Training, Mentoring and Security, presented the awards to the recipients.
"Our civilian police advisors are deployed around the world in support of international peacekeeping operations, and help train and mentor police forces in countries emerging from conflict. Their presence promotes peace and stability, and their efforts to develop modern, democratic local police forces help establish the rule of law and support good governance," said Shugart. "These men - and brave personnel like them - are key to the success of those missions."
"This medal reflects the core values of our company: we serve, we care, we empower, we perform, and we do the right thing," said Gastright. "It is my privilege to present the DynCorp International Chairman's Valor Award to four remarkable individuals in honor of their heroism and selfless service beyond the call of duty."
About DynCorp International
DynCorp International is a global government services provider working in support of U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives, delivering support solutions for defense, diplomacy, and international development. DI operates major programs in logistics, platform support, contingency operations, and training and mentoring to reinforce security, community stability, and the rule of law. For more information, visit our blogs or see DynCorp International’s LinkedIn profile.