Kennedy was hand-picked to serve in the United States Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. His leadership and joint experience ensured that the Office of Military Cooperation (OMC) accomplished every mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His exceptional dedication and leadership were vital in establishing an OMC in the newly reopened Embassy in the capital city of a combat zone.

Kennedy was also instrumental in the organization of a multimillion-dollar, multi-agency, multi-national cooperative effort to establish the Afghan National Army (ANA), interfacing with officials at the highest levels of Afghan government, numerous international military organizations, and the United Nations. Kennedy's organizational abilities ensured that every force and logistics package was tailored appropriately for each phase of ANA program preparation, and was delivered at the right place and right time.

Mike Kennedy, right, receives Bronze Star from Colonel Mark Rosengard, Deputy Chief Special Forces, OMC-A, 10th Special Forces Group.

Just as importantly, Kennedy's communication ability proved exceptionally effective in establishing rapport with the former warlords of Afghanistan as they strove to become leaders in the newly-formed Afghan National Army. He further cemented that relationship and supported the legitimacy of the process by assisting and maintaining the communications between those military leaders and the leaders of the new Afghan Interim and Transitional Authorities.

Kennedy's organizational experience, coupled with his attention to detail and management capacity, allowed him to orchestrate numerous visits for national-level dignitaries ranging from the Secretary of Defense to the President's Special Envoy. In every case, these critical events were conducted in a manner that ensured the principals received the information they needed, and saw the people and things that mattered-all of which ensured the critical coordination of information and information-sharing about operations across Afghanistan in support of Enduring Freedom.

Mike Kennedy has performed with exceptional proficiency in a position of significant responsibility at a time of national crisis, with risk to his own personal safety in a combat environment. As a direct result of his dedication, commitment, and leadership, his organization has made a critical contribution to the U.S. campaign to rid Afghanistan of al Qaeda and other terrorist networks. His service is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, Combined/Joint Task Force Mountain/Afghanistan, the United States Army, and U.S. Customs.

Mike Kennedy plans to return to U.S. Customs Headquarters in November 2002 after completing his tour of active duty.