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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 5, 2008 No. 08-126 KANSAS NATIONAL GUARDSMAN AWARDED TWO BRONZE STAR MEDALS Kansas National Guardsman, Major Gregory Edson, Topeka, was awarded two Bronze Stars, one with “V” Device (valor) for his actions in a recent deployment to Afghanistan. Edson deployed with an embedded training team as the weapon’s company and battalion executive officer/training officer mentor for the 2nd Kandak, 2nd Brigade 205th Corps, Afghan National Army. Edson distinguished himself during many engagements with the enemy and specifically for continuing to fight after being wounded by enemy actions in December 2007, for which he received a Purple Heart. He also distinguished himself through his efforts to improve the capabilities of the Afghan National Police force in his area by getting them better equipment and improving their operational relationships with the local Afghan National Army unit and other Coalition Forces. Edson enlisted in the Kansas National Guard on September 11, 1992, as an armor crewman. He served five years as an enlisted soldier and was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He completed Officer Candidate School in 1997 at Fort Benning, Ga., and was commissioned in the Armor Corps. He served with the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor Regiment as a tank platoon leader, company executive officer, heavy mortar platoon leader, battalion staff officer, and tank company commander. He served as an infantry company commander in Kosovo from January 2005 to February 2006. Edson is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic Course, Armor Captain’s Career Course and the Combined Arms Exercise. In addition to the Bronze Stars, his awards include a Combat Action Badge and the Meritorious Service Medal.-30-
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