Bravo to DynCorp and the government folks for honoring these men and their sacrifice. It is the least they could do, and other companies out there who have had injured or deceased contractors should take note.
I also hope that DynCorp will continue to show it’s appreciation by being there for these men when they need help with medical, mental and pay issues. Handing out awards is one thing, but being there for your people when they need that help is the sign of a truly grateful and compassionate company. You will also attract good contractors who actually want to work for you and do a good job, because they know you care. –Matt
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Left to right: Tate Mallory, Bill Ballhaus of DynCorp International and Ken Leonard
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U.S. Government Officials and DynCorp Honor Police Trainers Injured in Iraq
Mar 04, 2010
Representatives for the Department of Defense, the U.S. Congress, the Department of State, and DynCorp International (DI) gathered on February 17, to honor two former civilian police trainers who received injuries while working in Iraq to help build and strengthen Iraq’s police force.
According to the groups, Kenneth Leonard and Tate Mallory, the two trainers, were honored by a crowd of more than 200 people. Both worked for DI on the International Civilian Police Program (CIVPOL) contract with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). In Iraq they were under the Civilian Police Advisory Training Team, the component of the Multinational Security Transition Command responsible for the U.S.-led effort to train and equip the 135,000-member Iraqi police service.
The DynCorp International President’s Valor award was presented to Kenneth Leonard and Tate Mallory by Tony Smeraglinolo, president of DI’s Global Stability and Development Solutions (GSDS) division. The DI President’s Valor Award is the highest recognition given by the company, and has been awarded only 11 other times.
“This award is presented to individuals who have exemplified bravery and heroism in execution of their responsibilities in the most challenging of circumstances,” said Tony Smeraglinolo in his remarks. “These two men have demonstrated not only great bravery but resounding resilience, unequalled commitment to service and are truly great Americans.”
State Department INL Bureau Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary William McGlynn presented certificates of appreciation on behalf of the State Department and spoke of the men’s skills and contributions working in the most difficult of circumstances. The State Department also presented DI Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Director Mike Warren with a special certificate of recognition for his work in creating and running a program that assists employees and their families, and his personal commitment to helping each employee and family member who needs him.
Kenneth Leonard of High Point, North Carolina had trained Iraqi police in Baghdad for more than a year when a roadside bomb hit his armored vehicle and he lost both legs below the knee. Returning home, Leonard dedicated himself to physical therapy, learned how to walk and run again. After passing the police officers’ physical agility test, he returned to work with North Carolina’s High Point Police Department.
Tate Mallory, a former assistant police chief in Winner, South Dakota, was injured in Anbar Province Iraq when a rocket-propelled grenade pierced his vehicle, entered his back and exited his abdomen, leaving him disabled. Mallory, currently in school, is a founding member of the CIVPOL Alumni Association, a group formed to assist other international law enforcement officers who were injured overseas.
DynCorp International is a government services provider in support of U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives, delivering support solutions for defense, diplomacy, and international development. DI operates programs in logistics, platform support, contingency operations, and training and mentoring to reinforce security, community stability, and the rule of law.
Story here.