Winthrop Resident Honored for His Service in Afghanistan

Deployed U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Murray, Provincial Reconstruction Team Khost security forces section armorer and resident of Winthrop, Mass., receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from U.S. Navy Cmdr. Brad Brewer, PRT Khost commander, during a short ceremony at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, July 12. Murray, a member of B Company, 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, received the award for his initiative and devotion to duty. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sandra Welch, Provincial Reconstruction Team Khost Public Affairs)

KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A servicemember deployed to Afghanistan is often considered a hero in the U.S. While the average person might take their “hero” status and sit on their laurels, U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Murray, a resident of Winthrop and member of B Company, 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, is making a real difference in supporting the provincial reconstruction team mission of connecting the Afghan people with their government.

Murray was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during a short ceremony at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, July 12. The security forces section armorer is currently serving as a member of PRT Khost in the Khost Province of Afghanistan.

“It’s a complete surprise to be awarded a NAM for doing my job,” Murray said.

According to his citation, Murray “demonstrated exceptional leadership, knowledge and initiative in ensuring 100 percent accountability of 85 weapon systems and associated equipment during training, shipment preparation and reintegration. Additionally, he tirelessly worked more than 72 hours in 100 degree heat inventorying and organizing weapon systems, ammunition and sensitive items critical to the seamless transfer of authority into combat conditions.”

“I am very lucky to have Sergeant Murray as a member of the PRT,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Brad Brewer, PRT Khost commander. “His work ethic, leadership and devotion to the team have made it possible to meet our daily tasks and move us forward in accomplishing our overall mission of improving security, supporting good governance and enhancing provincial development.”

PRT Khost is made up of more than 85 Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and civilians. The PRT conducts population-centric governance and development counterinsurgency operations.

The team builds the capacity of the provincial and district governments, develops critical infrastructure, education and stabilization initiatives, and works to increase the legitimacy and accountability of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the populace, ultimately enabling reintegration and transition.