Touble Update

Hardened in battle on the brutal streets of Iraq, 1Lt Trouble set the standard for the junior Security Forces officer in '05-'06. Deployed to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM as a 2Lt, he immediately assumed a tactical command role that would befit those more senior when he led 35 joint forces at Xxxx AB, Iraq in the defense of over 9,600 coalition forces and $5B in coalition assets.

Acclaimed by those over him, he was tapped to create an 80-person strong special security flight in light of upcoming Iraqi elections. Titled Operation GUARDIAN HUNTER, the sweeping security operation guaranteed the success of pivotal elections for the burgeoning democracy. Lt Trouble's flight personally secured ballots and enjoyed resounding success with zero hostile incidents. In conjunction with this "outside the wire" effort, he also led from the front and commanded coalition forces during daring offensive security sweeps that resulted in the capture of seven insurgents, and saved numerous lives.

Thanks in large part to his effectiveness and comprehensive tactical vision, he was time and again tapped to confront some of the most demanding defense force issues at Xxxx AB. Lt Trouble personally coordinated and led the high profile security detail for the Secretary of the Air Force and two separate visits by the Iraqi Vice President and demonstrated to our coalition partners the capabilities of a professional volunteer force. He further fostered host nations relations through his personal design of the Xxxx AB gate barrier program. Via his understanding of host nation agreements coupled with current force protection measures and standards, Lt Trouble developed a barrier plan that accommodated all the needs and still satisfied demanding security requirements. His innovation saved this forward base and the Air Force $25K+ through locally procured equipment, building materials and labor.

1Lt Trouble clearly exhibited the traits that have come to be identified with the SF junior CGO, tenaciousness, audacity, bravery, foresight and dedication unparalleled by friend and foes alike. 1Lt Trouble is THE obvious choice this award.

That's what my son's Commanding Officer wrote in a nominating letter to the Air Force Central Command (or whatever it's called) for a national award for him. My son thinks it's a bit "over the top," and it probably is. Nonetheless, he's making great strides in the Air Force. He regularly finds himself in meetings and on panels where the next-lowest rank is a Lt. Colonel. And he's not just there to get the coffee, either.

Right now, he's back at his home base in the southwestern dessert, and was one of only 38 individuals (in a grouping of more than 1,000) to get an 'exceptional' rating in the AFB's inspection.

And tomorrow night, he's going to be on the field for the Las Vegas Bowl* as part of a flag detail at the beginning of the night. Yeah, he's only one of 100 who will be holding a giant flag at the beginning of the game, but he's on the field nonetheless. He'll be the blonde guy in a uniform.

I'm almost getting tired of telling him how proud I am of him.

Almost.

yeharr
*19th-ranked BYU (10-2) vs Oregon (7-5), 8pm ET, ESPN and ESPNHD