Navy officer awarded Bronze Star

"Cmdr. Nielsen is a strong leader, an outstanding naval officer and is one who is highly regarded in the Naval Air Systems Command Reserve Program," stated Sweeney. "She took on a job that was extremely tough, but she had the right skills, energy and instincts for our nation to succeed in defending freedom and liberty."

Nielsen's tour in Iraq was from May 2006 to March 2007. During her tour she was directly responsible for more than 100 successful combat movements through Ninewa Province providing insight and guidance to the government and Tal Afar city leaders. She led the development of a comprehensive one-year plan for governance, economics, reconstruction and rule of law with in Ninewa Province which was submitted to the nation coordination team and implemented throughout the province. This plan rolled into the multi-dimensional focused stabilization city action plan which synchronized the government of Iraq, department of state and department of defense efforts for the cities of Mosul and Tal Afar.

Cmdr. Kelly Nielsen of Naval Air Systems Command-0466 Detachment A at NAS Jacksonville, proudly displays the Bronze Star Award she received from Naval Air Systems Command 0466 Det A Commanding Officer Cmdr. Joseph Sweeney for her outstanding service as executive officer, Provincial Reconstruction Team/403D Civil Affairs Battalion, Mosul, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Additionally, she was a key player in developing, in conjunction with 3-1 Stryker Brigade Combat team staff, the

city action plan which outlines both short and long-term action to improve overall stability in two of Iraq's cities.

Nielsen's leadership and coordination of the day-to-day operations of the PRT were instrumental in the many successes of this joint interservice/intra-agency team.

The establishment of the Ninewa Province "Outreach" program with the establishment of the relationships at the provincial and national level in Baghdad and Northern Iraq have enabled her to move seamlessly and effectively between civil and military operations and achieve outstanding results.

Her coordination of resources and programs promoted increased security and recognition of provincial issues critical to stability in key urban areas and the success of the government of Iraq and coalition force efforts and improving department of state visibility regarding issues in Northern Iraq.

Her PRT's goals were fully integrated and supported the nationwide vision, making her team one of the most successful in Iraq.

She was instrumental in the development successes and has directly contributed to the overall security improvements through out Ninewa Province.

"I'm so proud of what she's done," exclaimed her sister, Naomi Allen. "She always accomplishes everything she starts out to do. She's always been that way."

The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces dual military decoration which may be awarded 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 ninth highest military award (including both combat and non-combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations.

"It's an impressive feat," said her husband, retired Navy Cmdr. Wesley Nielsen. "She deserves it and earned it. I'm glad the services honor those who do a tough job and do it well."

Nielsen is a native of West Gardiner, Maine. She and her husband have a son, Shayne, 12. They reside in Jacksonville.