Major John P. Rowley, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service from October 2023 to June 2024 while deployed as the Operations Officer for two separate Joint Task Forces (JTF) in the US CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).

MAJ Rowley deployed to CENTCOM on October 8, 2023, the day after the devastating Hamas attack on southern Israel. MAJ Rowley took over the role as Operations Officer for a Joint Task Force supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, driving operations to achieve US national security objectives in the region. During this deployment, MAJ Rowley led these operational efforts despite being under continued One-Way Attack Unmanned Aerial System (OWA UAS) attacks by Iranian-Aligned Militia Groups (IAMGs). Following numerous US and coalition casualties in these attacks, including the killing of three US soldiers at Tower 22 in Jordan on January 28, 2024, MAJ Rowley played a pivotal role in actions undertaken by US CENCTOM to restore deterrence against these groups throughout the AOR.

As his tour was nearing its end, MAJ Rowley was hand-selected for an opportunity to serve as the Operations Officer for a separate JTF in the CENTCOM AOR. MAJ Rowley was selected for this position based on his linguistic and cultural expertise in the region following his completion of the Olmsted Scholarship, in which he achieved a Master’s Degree in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel in 2022. MAJ Rowley immediately deployed again to the region, bringing his wealth of knowledge to a separate problem set. During this deployment, MAJ Rowley worked closely with servicemembers across the SOCOM Enterprise in support of key US national security efforts, while advising and liaising with critical allies during a period of significant conflict.

MAJ Rowley exemplified selfless service during these back-to-back deployments, answering the call to lead during a period of intense regional conflict. His expertise in the CENTCOM AOR proved crucial to the achievement of operational success for two JTFs- including contributions to both the restoration of deterrence in the theater and the provision of critical support of American allies. Through his distinctive accomplishments, MAJ Rowley reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.

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Master Sergeant Brandon J. Sawyer distinguished himself as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader, 96th Civil Engineer Squadron, 96th Civil Engineer Group, 96th Test Wing, Air Force Test Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Master Sergeant Sawyer deployed four times where he integrated with all branches of the military and multiple North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies. He personally led teams on over two hundred counter-improvised explosive device missions providing freedom of movement along supply routes in Afghanistan while protecting countless coalition forces and civilian personnel. The distinctive accomplishments reflect credit upon
Master Sergeant Sawyer and the United States Air Force.

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Chief Petty Officer Maritime Enforcement Specialist Justin W. Mulkey, distinguished himself through exceptional service as the Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) 2 Squad Leader and senior Boarding Officer, during a boarding with Naval Special Warfare (NSW) off the Horn of Africa, operating under Title 10 authorities, which resulted in the seizure of advanced conventional weaponry destined for non-state terrorist actors.

On the evening of January 11, 2024, a joint team comprised of MSRTE AIT 2 and NSW operators executed a high-risk nighttime boarding of a stateless dhow off the Somali coast, suspected of smuggling lethal aid from Iran into Yemen. AIT 2 & NSW operators aboard the USS PULLER meticulously planned, rapidly deployed and thoroughly searched the vessel, resulting in the seizure of components for medium range ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and warheads destined for terrorist organizations targeting American citizens, interests, and infrastructure. During the boarding two SEAL operators were tragically lost at sea. The AIT 2 operators directly supported 10-days of critical air and surface Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, liaised with team leadership in Bahrain, and provided detailed information to support SAR planning support from Coast Guard Atlantic Area. Additionally, AIT 2 operators stood force protection watch on board the smuggling vessel, conducted at sea space accountability, and assisted with offloading the weapons and suspected smugglers. The smugglers were detained, transported to the United States, and have been charged in U.S. District Court in Richmond, VA with transporting suspected Iranian-made weapons used by Houthi rebel forces in recent attacks. The presence of MEC Mulkey enabled prosecutors to leverage additional charges for providing false information to U.S. Coast Guard officers and impeding a boarding.

MEC Mulkey exemplifies the highest standards of personal conduct and embodies the U. S. Coast Guard’s Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty, and is an ideal Coast Guard representative to receive the prestigious 2024 JINSA Grateful Nation Award.

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Sergeant Jaryk D. Pitsch exemplified outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication while serving with Battery E, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, during the critical withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. Stationed at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul from August 16 to August 30, Sergeant Pitsch played a pivotal role in the holding, security, and processing of over 9,000 civilians, coalition forces, and friendly personnel during the height of the evacuation.

As a squad leader, he expertly managed his team upon arrival, orchestrating operations at the north gate of the airport where Echo Battery facilitated the safe passage of nearly 5,000 individuals awaiting flights. IN a moment of profound courage, Sergeant Pitsch lowered the only American flag at the site immediately following the tragic explosion at Abbey Gate, which claimed the lives of 13 American service members, all while under the threat of sniper fire.

In addition to his responsibilities at the north gate, Sergeant Pitsch skillfully oversaw the transport of prisoners to the southern gate. During four trips, each involving over 45 civilians, he and his team faced a dangerous standoff with the Taliban and endured sniper fire from the surrounding area. His squad was crucial in ensuring the safety of all civilians entering the terminals.

Demonstrating exceptional initiative, Sergeant Pitsch identified a breach in the airport wall early in the operation. He took a fireteam outside the wire to effect repairs, further ensuring the security of the airport during a chaotic and perilous time.

Sergeant Pitsch’s exemplary service, decisive actions, and unwavering commitment to mission success significantly contributed to the safety and security of countless lives during a critical phase of the evacuation. Effort. His remarkable performance reflects great credit upon himself, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the United States Marine Corps.

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Sergeant First Class Luke Donofrio, United States Army, is recognized for superior leadership, conspicuous gallantry, and dauntlessness in action against the enemy as a Squad Leader, specifically while deployed to a Joint Task Force in direct support of an Overseas Contingency Operation from October 2019 to January 2020. During this time, he led his Rangers through a series of critical combat operations of National significance. His squad conducted numerous high-risk combat raids. Under enemy contact, he and his team enabled the advancement of United States interests. His personal bravery to repeatedly expose himself to extreme personal risk on behalf of the mission and his teammates emboldened his Squad to eliminate threats and enabled the Joint Task Force to accomplish their assigned missions. Sergeant First Class Donofrio’s performance throughout the deployment was indicative of his exceptional tactical acumen, selfless servant leadership, and nuanced understanding of the implications associated with missions of high National importance.

SFC Donofrio has deployed 7 times in support of his Nation. Each of his deployments was with the 75th Ranger Regiment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. SFC Donofrio’s deployments were in dynamic, fast-paced environments filled with direct combat operations. He conducted countless raids and vehicular interdictions, engaging the enemy and maneuvering under direct fire. During his deployments, SFC Donofrio served as a Rifleman, Automatic Rifleman, Team Leader, Squad Leader, and Weapons Squad Leader, leading the best Infantrymen in our Armed Forces.

SFC Donofrio also conducted personal security missions in support of VIPs, including Congressmen and Combatant Commanders, escorting them through hostile territory and contested battlespace. He was personally responsible for their safety and well- being, and his efforts ensured there were no disruptions to their missions.
SFC Donofrio additionally contributed to Operation Freedom’s Sentinel by completing route analysis during his deployments to Afghanistan. His actions enabled freedom of maneuver through Kabul for friendly forces. His analysis also identified advantageous locations for the vehicular interdictions his unit conducted.

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MSgt Garrison’s improvised explosive device emplacement analysis was relayed to the Iraqi Prime Minister leading to a surge of forces in Baghdad. He collected 4000 pieces of evidence resulting in 15 biometric hits capturing 9 terrorists.

MSgt Garrison deployed to Kuwait for 6 months. He secured the perimeter of 53 sites worth $20M and provided armed convoy escort and search of 3000 workers finalizing a $2M dormitory allowing safe passage of 100 troops into theater.

While deployed for 1 year, Alan was responsible for 270 sq kms of battlefield. He led 76 combat missions where he exploited 27 improvised explosive devices, 7 caches, and 32 post blasts & was awarded an Army Commendation Medal.

Under constant fire, Alan crushed 52 missions in Afghanistan. He provided freedom of movement over 3000 sq miles defeating 20 explosive devices and 8 enemy caches allowing resupply of 3 coalition bases supporting 500 soldiers.

After the Al-Shabaab attack on Manda Bay, MSgt Garrison led the sole EOD team to secure the airfield. Alan designed entry points, personnel protection sites and munitions areas to secure $254M in joint assets and protect 444 personnel.

MSgt Garrison courageously attacked the network during 25 high value target raids. His 20-person assault team acted on time-sensitive intelligence, provided site exploitation and allowed imprisonment and trial of 20 known insurgents.

Alan led the fingerprinting of all Sons of Iraq members in Baghdad. He partnered with 24 Iraqi Army personnel to add 500 fingerprint cards to the FBI and Interpol database. His efforts led to the detention of a terrorist found in the US.

Alan solved a 3-year task force mystery! He aided a 5-person team to destroy 192 rockets with 900 lbs of explosives. He denied enemy indirect fire capability ultimately protecting the US Army-led coalition HQ and 12,000 joint personnel.

MSgt Garrison led EUCOM’s largest improvised explosive device exercise intelligence cell. He teamed with 15 NATO countries on 400 operations. His evidence collection aided 80 technicians thwart terrorist’s #1 weapon of choice.

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With over seventeen years of military service, 1SG Garett Strifler, the current First Sergeant of HHB, 3-27 FAR, has exceptionally impacted every organization he has served in. Enlisting in the Army as a Rocket System (MLRS/HIMARS) Crewmember (13M) in 2006, 1SG Strifler has deployed three times in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Beyond his combat experience, 1SG Strifler has distinguished himself as an icon in the rocket artillery community. He has served in key leadership positions in every one of the Army’s active-duty Field Artillery Brigades, led U.S. rocket artillery security cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, and is frequently consulted as one of the Army’s foremost experts on High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operations. Despite his litany of accomplishments, 1SG Strifler is foremost a leader of Soldiers. He embodies the idea of being a servant-leader, has an unmatched track record of leading with empathy, and countless noncommissioned officers have benefited from his pivotal mentorship.

After enlisting in the Army in 2006, he started his career as an Ammunition Specialist in the Republic of Korea. Following his Korea tour, he would then serve in 5-3 FA at Joint-Base Lewis McChord, Washington. During his time in 5-3 FA, he deployed twice to Kandahar, Afghanistan. He spent his first deployment conducting route clearance patrols across Afghanistan, clearing many thousands of miles of hostile roads to allow the safe passage of coalition forces. He served as a HIMARS Gunner during his second deployment, providing precision lethal fires in direct support of various SOF units.

Following his time in 5-3 FA, 1SG Strifler would then serve as a Launcher Section Chief at Fort Bragg, NC, and then on to another tour in Korea. In Korea, he served as a Platoon Sergeant for a Firing Platoon, where he oversaw the critical mission of deterring North Korean aggression. He would then go on to serve at Fort Sill, OK, where he would serve as a Platoon Sergeant in 1-14 FA. As a Firing Platoon Sergeant, he would lead his platoon on a deployment spanning both Iraq and Syria. In Syria, he was responsible for leading the creation of the US FOB at Kobani Landing Zone. His platoon both executed fire missions against ISIS and acted as a deterrent against Iranian-backed forces. For his contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve, he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal. Upon redeployment, he would serve above his rank as an acting First Sergeant for nearly a year.

Following his time at Fort Sill, 1SG Strifler would then serve as a U.S. Army Security Assistance Training Management Organization (SATMO) HIMARS Technical Assistance and Fielding Team (TAFT) NCOIC. He spent a year in the United Arab Emirates as a direct advisor to the Emirati HIMARS Regiment. He was responsible for advising them on HIMARS training and operations, directly influencing the United States’ regional security cooperation strategy. By supporting the U.S. embassy’s objectives and helping build Emirati capacity, he was personally influential in pushing back against Iran’s malign influence in the Persian Gulf.

Following his time in the Middle East, 1SG Strifler would return to Fort Liberty to serve as both a Firing Battery and Headquarters and Headquarters Battery First Sergeant. In both Alpha Battery and HHB 3-27 FAR, 1SG Strifler distinguished himself as a forward-thinking leader, mentor, and advocate for the wellbeing of Soldiers. He is currently deployed to Europe in support of Operation European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce.

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Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Joshua S. Goldberg, United States Navy, for superior leadership, conspicuous gallantry, and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Assault Team Leader, specifically while deployed to a Joint Task Force in direct support of an Overseas Contingency Operation from 25 January 2023 to 26 January 2023. He displayed unwavering resolve against a relentless and heavily fortified enemy in the conduct of a Presidentially-approved, high-risk combat raid. Under sustained enemy contact, he and his team eliminated a high value target who posed a grave threat to United States interests. He expertly led his tactical element through arduous terrain to a complex enemy cave system. While directly engaged by multiple enemy combatants from barricaded fighting positions, he personally guided his element to swiftly clear an assessed bed-down location of the high value target. He identified the neutralized enemy combatant as the targeted individual before reengaging in the six hour gunfight, consistently positioning himself to effectively control the wicked clearance problem. His selfless fortitude to repeatedly expose himself to extreme personal risk on behalf of the mission and his teammates emboldened his squadron to eliminate threats and enabled the United States to achieve a strategic victory. Senior Chief Goldberg’s performance throughout the night was indicative of his exceptional tactical acumen, selfless servant leadership, and nuanced understanding of the implications associated with a mission of such National importance.

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Gunnery Sergeant Elkantar distinguished himself with exceptionally superior service in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Gunnery Sergeant Elkantar volunteered to deploy where he expertly led a joint team of two military and 41 contracted linguists during the Joint Task Force Guantanamo (JTF-GTMO) deployment. Of special note, he consistently promoted and upheld an unwavering respect for diversity, equal opportunity, and service to country.

Gunnery Sergeant Elkantar dedicated 7 months of his career in support of his military career in support of the Global War on Terrorism, forward deployed serving as the Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge of Cell Block Support (CBS) in Joint Task Force Guantanamo -J2 Intelligence Directorate. He effectively completed time sensitive mission critical intelligence analysis of 175+ Detention Support Supplemental Reports (DSSR) used for strategic and operational planning.

Gunnery Sergeant Elkantar served as the Cell Block Support manager of the Detention Support Supplemental Reports for timely dissemination of actional intelligence for fusion analysis/force protection and ah hoc tasking received by the J22 Technical Exploitation Cell.

Gunnery Sergeant Elkantar was awarded the J2 Director’s coin for extraordinary leadership; additionally, he competed against 35 military members to win the inaugural J2 Directors Cup, enchaining command Esprit De Corp.

Gunnery Sergeant Elkantar is an outstanding leader, role model, and mentor to Marines and the joint force.

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His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and the Combat Infantrymen Badge. MAJ Peatfield is a graduate of Air Assault School, Ranger School, Sapper School, and the Combat Advisory Training Academy.

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