Alejandro Gentry '01 has been awarded the Bronze Star for his efforts with Operation Iraqi Freedom. The citation reads, "For exceptionally meritorious service as the operations advisor and fires and effects advisor while conducting combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain Gentry's actions contributed immeasurably to the success of building a free and Democratic nation for the citizens of Iraq, and to the efforts to win the global war on terrorism." Capt. Gentry was a history major, member of the Men's Swimming and Diving team, and an Annual Fund intern at Hamilton.
An article about Gentry appeared in the Peoria Times-Observer:
Alejandro Gentry, 29, a 1997 Richwoods High School graduate, has been awarded the Bronze Star for his efforts with Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Major General Mark P. Hertling signed the award, which recognizes Gentry's service from March 22, 2008, to March 21, 2009.
Gentry is the son of Dr. Jon and Nubia Gentry of Peoria.
"Needless to say, we, as parents, are very proud, not only of our son, but of his fellow servicemen and women whom he served with," Jon Gentry said."They are a very fine reflection of our society."
The Bronze Star citation reads, "For exceptionally meritorious service as the operations advisor and fires and effects advisor while conducting combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain Gentry"s actions contributed immeasurably to the success of building a free and Democratic nation for the citizens of Iraq, and to the efforts to win the global war on terrorism.
"Captain Gentry"s professionalism and commitment to excellence reflect great credit upon him, the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, Multi-National Division-North and the United States Army."
Gentry is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th and 12th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team, which has been assigned in Tal Afar, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"His exceptional performance of duty is indicative by his success of teaching, coaching and mentoring the Iraqi officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers assigned to the operations sector, mortar platoon and the command group," a narrative accompanying his award said.
"Captain Gentry worked very closely with over a dozen Iraqi Army and coalition special teams and assets which enabled his team to integrate effects seamlessly into Iraqi-led combat operations and enhance their ability to provide security and stifle enemy activity throughout the area of operations" the Army said in a statement with the award.
The Bronze Star is awarded by the U.S. Army for heroic or meritorious achievement or service not involving participation in aerial flight.
Gentry's citation commends him for his work ethic in Tal Afar in 2008, which, the Army said, resulted in a decline of insurgent activity. Gentry, according to the Army, pressed upon the Iraqi Army the need to coordinate and synchronize operations with coalition troops.
"He quickly developed a professional relationship with his Iraqi Army counterparts and quickly asserted his role as an advisor," the Army statement said.
Gentry was also instrumental in working with coalition and Iraqi forces in implementing procedures that resulted in caring for more than 365 patients in one operation and providing humanitarian assistance to local communities.
Gentry also filled multiple roles as a mine-resistant-ambush-protected truck commander, a gunner and a driver in more than 100 missions in the Nineveh Province. Those efforts resulted in the capture of 25 rifles, four rocket-powered grenades, 850 rounds of ammunition, 11 improvised explosive devices and numerous bomb-making components.
"His service and enthusiasm left a lasting impression of the professionalism, caring and duty of his military training team," the Army statement said. "Captain Gentry's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this command and the United States Army."
An article about Gentry appeared in the Peoria Times-Observer:
Alejandro Gentry, 29, a 1997 Richwoods High School graduate, has been awarded the Bronze Star for his efforts with Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Major General Mark P. Hertling signed the award, which recognizes Gentry's service from March 22, 2008, to March 21, 2009.
Gentry is the son of Dr. Jon and Nubia Gentry of Peoria.
"Needless to say, we, as parents, are very proud, not only of our son, but of his fellow servicemen and women whom he served with," Jon Gentry said."They are a very fine reflection of our society."
The Bronze Star citation reads, "For exceptionally meritorious service as the operations advisor and fires and effects advisor while conducting combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain Gentry"s actions contributed immeasurably to the success of building a free and Democratic nation for the citizens of Iraq, and to the efforts to win the global war on terrorism.
"Captain Gentry"s professionalism and commitment to excellence reflect great credit upon him, the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, Multi-National Division-North and the United States Army."
Gentry is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th and 12th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team, which has been assigned in Tal Afar, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom."His exceptional performance of duty is indicative by his success of teaching, coaching and mentoring the Iraqi officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers assigned to the operations sector, mortar platoon and the command group," a narrative accompanying his award said.
"Captain Gentry worked very closely with over a dozen Iraqi Army and coalition special teams and assets which enabled his team to integrate effects seamlessly into Iraqi-led combat operations and enhance their ability to provide security and stifle enemy activity throughout the area of operations" the Army said in a statement with the award.
The Bronze Star is awarded by the U.S. Army for heroic or meritorious achievement or service not involving participation in aerial flight.
Gentry's citation commends him for his work ethic in Tal Afar in 2008, which, the Army said, resulted in a decline of insurgent activity. Gentry, according to the Army, pressed upon the Iraqi Army the need to coordinate and synchronize operations with coalition troops."He quickly developed a professional relationship with his Iraqi Army counterparts and quickly asserted his role as an advisor," the Army statement said.
Gentry was also instrumental in working with coalition and Iraqi forces in implementing procedures that resulted in caring for more than 365 patients in one operation and providing humanitarian assistance to local communities.
Gentry also filled multiple roles as a mine-resistant-ambush-protected truck commander, a gunner and a driver in more than 100 missions in the Nineveh Province. Those efforts resulted in the capture of 25 rifles, four rocket-powered grenades, 850 rounds of ammunition, 11 improvised explosive devices and numerous bomb-making components.
"His service and enthusiasm left a lasting impression of the professionalism, caring and duty of his military training team," the Army statement said. "Captain Gentry's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this command and the United States Army."
