Honors: Robert Turner

Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Robert S. Turner has been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for supporting the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The medal is awarded to an individual who, while serving in the U.S. armed forces, has performed a heroic act, meritorious achievement or distinguished service during armed conflict or ground combat while engaged against an armed enemy of the United States.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq.

He is the son of Darlene Turner of Portales.

While serving as supervisor of the 840th Deployment Distribution Support Team in Iraq, Turner's leadership, devotion to duty and selfless service during combat operations in Iraq directly contributed to the success of the command's mission.  He first arrived in Kuwait with the 1190th Deployment Support Brigade, then deployed to Balad, Iraq, to serve as supervisor of the 840th Deployment Distribution Support Team.  He ensured the team could safely conduct its missions, and he planned and implementedtraining exercises. Turner played an indispensable role in the redeployment of nine brigade combat teams and multiple other units from various locations throughout Iraq.

He also was awarded the Army Combat Action Badge in keeping with the spirit of the Warrior Ethos. The badge provides special recognition to soldiers who personally engage the enemy or are engaged by the enemy during combat operations. 

Recipients must be performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized, be personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.

Turner currently serves with the 1179th Deployment Support Brigade, Logistics Support Area Anaconda in Balad, Iraq.

He graduated in 1987 from Elida High School.