MCRD/ERR Parris Island, S.C. -- Gunnery Sgt. Kevin D. Spivey, S-3 chief, Support Battalion, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in a ceremony Tuesday. The award, presented to him by Lt. Col. Laura Little, commanding officer, Support Bn., was given to him for his actions while deployed with the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq from April 17, 2005, to April 27, 2006.
During this time, Spivey acted as the advisor to 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Public Order Brigade, Fallujah, Iraq. While serving with the Iraqi unit, Spivey advised all officers and noncommissioned officers in the performance of duties in administration, training and operations at entry control points.
"I saw the unit go from nothing to fully functioning," said Spivey. "In the beginning, they didn't plan routes, check sources and had no prior planning for missions, and now they work on their own."
First Co. worked alongside Marines from 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment at one of the two largest entry control points of Fallujah.
"I spent twenty-four hours a day with the Iraqi security forces teaching them how to handle weapons, man entry control points and plan out missions on their own," said Spivey.
Spivey, along with 1st Co., was involved in many nighttime small arms engagements while he continually stressed the importance of fire discipline, maintaining sectors of fire and open communication with coalition effects.
Using the high value target list, Spivey and his Iraqi counterparts caught six known insurgents in just four days.
With the help of Spivey, the Iraqi special policemen were able to successfully take control of entry point operations.
Spivey believes keeping an open mind about the Iraqi people is important, because while there are a few who don't want the U.S. there, the majority does.
"This was a great life experience for me," said Spivey. "One thing I would like the junior Marines to know is that trust is everything for the Iraqi forces. If you trust them, and they trust you, they will do anything to help you."