US Marine Corps Awards Bronze Star to Local Federal Prosecutor

PHOENIX (LAWFUEL) - Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Logan returned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office this Spring after completing his second tour of duty in Iraq with the United States Marine Corps. On Monday, June 16, 2008, Lieutenant Colonel Logan traveled to Camp Lejeune, N.C. to receive the Bronze Star Medal. The award was presented by Major General John R. Allen, Commanding General, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune. (Accompanying this release is a digital photo of Logan being presented the Bronze Star by MAJGEN Allen.) The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. Lieutenant Colonel Logan received the Bronze Star for his actions 1 July 2007 through 9 February 2008. Bronze Star Medal Citation: “For meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations involving conflict with an opposing force while serving as the Al Anbar Provincial Chief Judge Liaison and Judicial Advisor, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) from July 21, 2007 to February 9, 2008 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 06-08. Lieutenant Colonel Logan worked tirelessly across organizational, political and cultural boundaries to establish the Anbar Criminal Court #18 to try terrorism suspects in Province. Through incredible mentoring of the Provincial Chief Judge and other members of the Al Anbar Judiciary, this Court, the first terrorism court in Iraq to be convened using local judges, put Al Anbar province far ahead of all other provinces in Iraq with respect to their ability to try terrorism suspects. Overcoming the crippling effects of insurgents’ threats against judges, his actions strengthened Al Anbar’s counter-terrorism capabilities. LtCol Logan facilitated planning for a Rule of Law Judicial Complex in Al Anbar Province, containing a court facility, secure housing for judges and court staff, security, and a detention facility. LtCol Logan’s efforts led to the obligation of $16,000,000 for the proposed Anbar Judicial Complex. His exceptional professional development and mentoring of the Al Anbar Provincial Chief Judge along with his contributions to the Rule of Law plans and programs implemented throughout the Province had a direct critical impact on the success of the entire Rule of Law success in the largest and most dangerous province in Iraq. Lieutenant Colonel Logan’s total effectiveness, forceful leadership, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.” In addition to this recent deployment, Logan also deployed to Iraq as a Marine Corps Judge Advocate (JA) from February thru September 2004. While deployed to Iraq for eight months with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.), Logan served his first tour of duty in Al Anbar leading a team of defense attorneys responsible for defense services for Sailors and Marines serving in Iraq. Diane J. Humetewa, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, stated that “It is a privilege to work with outstanding prosecutors of Steve Logan’s caliber. His willingness to serve his country not only every day of his civilian career as a federal prosecutor but also as a U.S. Marine speaks volumes for his character, dedication and patriotism to our United States. I am proud of him and all our U.S. Attorney employees who selflessly serve our nation.” Others in the U.S. Attorney’s office who have served in the War on Terror since 2004 include the following personnel: Assistant U.S. Attorney John Lopez was part of the initial group in 2004 from the Department of Justice which lay the foundation for the Iraq Regime Crimes Liaison Office. That office operated in Iraq to assist and advise the Iraqi Special Tribunal, the Iraqi court charged with investigating and trying members of the former regime for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Sandy Raynor, Public Affairs Officer (PAO) for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, deployed from July 2006 to July 2007 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Philippines. During the year long deployment, then Lt.Col. Raynor served as the military press attaché at the U.S. Embassy in support of the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group and Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines. Among her many PAO duties, she trained and mentored PAOs in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police Force in their fight in the War on Terror. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Pixler worked in Iraq as a Resident Legal Advisor for the Department of Justice from May 22, 2006 to May 19, 2008. Pixler served as the Rule of Law Section Head for the Ninewa Provincial Reconstruction Team based in Mosul, Iraq, where he performed duties related to all aspects of the Rule of Law. Among his many responsibilities and accomplishments was the creation and operation of specially prepared and protected panels of judges to try terrorism cases outside Baghdad. The program in Mosul was then used as a model for other courts throughout the country. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Flannigan from the Tucson office, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, is slated to deploy to Afghanistan in early 2009 as an Army Judge Advocate General. The Bronze Star medal is awarded to a member of the military for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the 9th highest military award (including both combat and non-combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations. To be eligible for the Bronze Star Medal, a military member must be getting hostile fire/imminent danger pay, during the event for which the medal is to be awarded. RELEASE NUMBER: 2008-156(Bronze Star)

US Marine Corps Awards Bronze Star to Local Federal Prosecutor

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