139th News

ADT II team honored by Governor after deployment

  • Published
  • By Maj. Brian Bowman
  • 139th Airlift Wing
St. Joseph, Mo. --  Fifty-five members of the Missouri National Guard's Agri-business Development Team II, including 11 members of the 139th Security Forces Squadron, were honored by Gov. Jay Nixon in a "Freedom Salute" ceremony in Branson Jan. 30, after a successful year-long deployment to Afghanistan.

The ADT II served in Nangarhar Province from fall 2007 until last December. The mission was picked up by a third team.

The 139th SFS members provided the ADT II with security so they could conduct their operations in some of the most remote areas of the region. The team represents the first time Missouri National Guard soldiers and airmen have deployed together as part of a single unit.

"The significance (of the ADT II) is that they were helping to rebuild a nation," said 139th Airlift Wing vice commander Col. Mike Pankau, who represented the wing at the ceremony. "They're helping to rebuild in a dangerous environment.
"This effort has been recognized by our Governor and throughout the nation. All of us in the 139th should be extremely proud that members of our very own Security Forces Squadron helped this mission succeed."

Two SFS members, Staff Sgts. Jonathan Beaver and Richard Robison, received the Bronze Star Medal for "exceptional meritorious service" in a combat zone.
Patsy Polley, the wife of ADT II member Tech. Sgt. Terry Polley, was recognized as a "Distinguished Center of Influence" with a Minuteman statuette, for her outstanding support of deployed members and their families.

All members received the Missouri Expeditionary Medal, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Other 139th Security Forces Squadron members receiving recognition were:

Army Commendation Medal - Tech. Sgt. Terry Polley, Staff Sgts. Adam Herring, Seth Mackey and Douglas Pearce; and Senior Airmen Scott Brandau, Eric Moe and Matthew Jacobs.
Army Achievement Medal - Staff Sgt. Daniel Salcedo.
Air Force Combat Action Medal -Salcedo, Robison and Moe.
Army Combat Action Badge - Robison, Salcedo and Moe.
Missouri National Guard Commendation Ribbon - Terry Polley, Jacobs and Moe.
Missouri National Guard Good Conduct Medal - Terry Polley, Jacobs and Moe.
Driver Badge - Herring and Pearce.