2 awards for katrina/rita

[SgtArky]

UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.
1. The Joint Staff has announced the approval of the HSM and AFSM for U.S. service members.


2. Specific criterions are as follows:


a. The HSM is authorized to be awarded to Soldiers supporting immediate relief
operations in the areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas (east of 96 degress west
longitude) from 29 August to 13 October 2005.


b. The AFSM is authorized to be awarded to Soldiers in direct support of the relief
efforts for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days in the area encompassing the U.S.
from 27 August 2005 to 27 February 2006. Excluded from the AFSM are those Soldiers who meet
the criteria for the HSM, outlined in paragraph 2a (above).

c. Personnel who are awarded the HSM may later qualify for the AFSM if their direct
support does not include the dates and actions used to receive the HSM.


c. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are categoreized as one operation.

3. Commanders in the grade of Colonel (O-6) and above are authorized to determine individual
eligibility. Permanent orders are not, repeat, are not issued to announce approved service
medals. Commanders must ensure that Military Personnel Divisions/Personnel Service Companies
(MPD/PSC) are informed for the update of personnel qualification records.

4. Request widest dissemination of this message.

[davedove]

Along with this, the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal has been authorized for DoD civilians who took part in the effort.