Congratulations Jere!

My Brother, Jeremy, was awarded one of the highest military awards, a Bronze Star! We could not be more proud of him! We always knew that he was a great Marine but it is so wonderful that the Marine Corps recognizes his achievements and awarded him a Bronze Star for meritorious service.

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU JERE! CONGRATULATIONS!!

Here is what his award reads:

"NARRATIVE SUMMARY
THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL
FIRST LIEUTENANT JEREMIAH A. ROOT

First Lieutenant Root distinguished himself through exceptional
meritorious service during combat operations as a Combat Service
Support (CSS) and Mechanized Infantry Company Advisor for 5th and 2nd
Kandak's, 3d Brigade, 201st Regional Security Advisory Command Central
(RSAC-C), Combined Joint Task Force, Phoenix (CJTF-76), CSTC-A, Kapisa
and Konar Provinces Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom (OEF) from 16 July 2007 to 4 April 2008. 1stLt Root's tactical
prowess, sound judgment, and outstanding leadership were instrumental
to the success of the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) during sustained
combat operations against Anti-Coalition Militia (ACM) Forces.
Initially filling a LtCol's billet, 1stLt Root deployed to the Province
of Kapisa for Operation New Year Hail, where he advised the 5th Kandak
Commander on Brigade logistical operations. Prior to the mission, his
actions were critical in assisting the ANA Commander during combined
rehearsals and logistical planning with TF Fury. During the first ANA
planned and executed Brigade sized operation, 1stLt Root developed a
logistical tracking and distribution system emphasizing logistical
forecasting, significantly improving the ability to support the Brigade
while in direct contact with the enemy. Upon ETT 1-9's reassignment to
2nd Kandak, 1stLt Root was partnered with 3d Company where his team
manned (3) remote bases spread over 25 kilometers, in the Pech River
Valley. During this period, 1stLt Root supervised and conducted (147)
dismounted and mounted patrols, (20) Cordon and search operations, as
well as (118) Key Leader Engagements, resulting in reduced ACM
operations, and increased confidence of Village Elders in the ANA and
the Government of Afghanistan.

1stLt Root risked his life and limb during (52) direct fire
engagements, displaying courage under fire, and providing sound advice
to his ANA commander. On 20 November 2007, ACM forces attacked FOB
Able-Main with heavy machinegun fire from a ridgeline to the south.
Despite accurate fire on his position, 1stLt Root scanned for the
source, noticing a flash from a hilltop as a round passed feet from his
head. Having locating the firing position, he immediately directed HM3
Vigo's .50cal fire onto the enemy position and moved under heavy enemy
fire to teh Able Company TOC to direct and coordinate mortar fire on
the ACM position. Able Company elements then began to fire on the
incorrect position with MK-19 and mortar fire. 1stLt Root moved back to
the TOC again under fire in order to pass the correct ACM locations,
and continued to adjust fires over the Able-Main tactical net. Arriving
back to the ANA position, 1stLt Root fired one magazine of tracer
rounds from his M-4 to mark the enemy position allowing the ANA to
place effective fire on the enemy resulting in (2) enemy KIA as well as
the destruction of their heavy machinegun. Throughout this period,
1stLt Root continually demonstrated courage, outstanding leadership and
composure under fire in an austere and challenging combat environment.
1stLT Root demonstrated uncanny ability to understand and embrace the
Afghan culture winning the confidence, respect and friendship of his
ANA counterparts and soldiers. His efforts to facilitate combined
planning with coalition forces significantly improved the ANA's Company
and Platoon level planning skills. His skill as an advisor raised the
ANA's confidence pushing them to seek additional responsibility and
driving his counterpart to his full potential. 1stLt Root's service to
the ANA, ETT 1-9, 5th and 3d Kanaks, 3d Brigade, 201st Corps were
marked by his outstanding leadership, and consummate professionalism
under fire. His actions have greatly improved the overall readiness of
the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) security in both Kapisa and Konar
Provinces as well as the country of Afghanistan."


Pretty amazing, isn't it?!?! Way to go Jere!!