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CAMP HANSEN (9/13/2012) — Captains Aaron F. Fisher and
Christopher M. Kaprielian were awarded Bronze Star medals during a
ceremony at the 9th Engineer Support Battalion physical training
field at Camp Hansen Sept. 5.
Capt. Aaron F. Fisher and Capt. Christopher M. Kaprielian
prepare to receive Bronze Stars from Brig. Gen. Niel E. Nelson and
Sgt. Maj. Tamara L. Fode during a ceremony at the 9th Engineer
Support Battalion physical training field at Camp Hansen Sept. 5,
2012. Fisher and Kaprielian were rewarded for their efforts during a
seven-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Fisher is the company commander of Engineer Support Company, 9th
ESB, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and
Kaprielian is the company commander of Engineer Company A, 9th ESB,
3rd MLG, III MEF. Nelson is the commanding general of 3rd MLG and
Fode is the 3rd MLG sergeant major. Photo by USMC Lance Cpl. Daniel
Valle |
Fisher served as the company commander of Engineer
Support Company, 9th ESB, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III
Marine Expeditionary Force, and Kaprielian served as the
operations officer of 9th ESB during its recent deployment
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
They were
awarded the medals for meritorious service during their
seven-month deployment in support of OEF.
Fisher
organized his company to accomplish all assigned missions
and to succeed in a highly challenging environment. His
company played a key role in the completion of more than 45
different engineering projects including more than 60
kilometers of new route construction, survivability
improvements, patrol base development and enhancement,
combat patrol security and general engineering efforts at
outposts across Helmand province.
“It's a big
testament to all the work the Marines did through his
leadership and guidance,” said Chief Warrant Officer Joshua
R. Ashworth, the motor transport maintenance officer for the
battalion. “I would definitely deploy with him again.”
Kaprielian planned and provided oversight for the
construction and engineering projects performed by the
battalion. Kaprielian managed the battalion's assets to
ensure the engineers were able to meet the commander's
expectations and achieve mission success.
“They are
outstanding leaders,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. James L.
Stanley, the operations chief for Support Company, 9th ESB.
“I think it is well deserved, and I would deploy with them
in a heartbeat without thinking twice.”
Fisher led
several important projects, but commanded two critical and
especially challenging missions. His company constructed a
land bridge, known as Route Red Wadi Crossing, to ensure the
main supply route remained open following the winter thaw.
Additionally, his company built Route Tiffany
providing a resupply access route to a remote forward
operating base.
“Route Red was highly used by the
locals after its construction for local commerce,” said
Fisher. “It helped improve the quality of life by making it
easier for them to get from one place to another.”
“The
Marines pulled together and they did an amazing job,” said
Fisher. “It's not something I did; it is something the
company did.”
Although the two Marine leaders felt a
sense of pride in receiving Bronze Stars, they both agreed
that it was because of their Marines' efforts that their
units accomplished so much.
“I owe this award to my
Marines,” said Fisher. “I received this award as a result of
their efforts throughout our deployment. I wear this award
for them.”
“It is all about the Marines,” said
Kaprielian. “The hard work and dedication it took to
accomplish our mission while we were deployed is the reason
for this award. This is their award, not mine.”
By USMC Lance Cpl. Daniel Valle
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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