Civil affairs sgt. to get Silver Star today

[CommunityEditor]

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — The Army is awarding its first Silver Star to an active-duty civil affairs soldier.

Sgt. 1st Class Drew C. Kimmey of Warden, Wash., will receive the award during a ceremony Thursday. The 31-year-old Kimmey, assigned to the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, fought off a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan in November 2007.

It’s unique that a civil affairs soldier is being lauded in this way because, in civil affairs, combat is not a top priority. Civil affairs soldiers are characterized as gun-carrying diplomats who can build ties with local residents, understand the complicated web of relationships in a foreign land and get projects such as clinics and schools built.

The Silver Star is the third-highest award for combat valor.


Article: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/0...erstar_092508/