Sanders presented Bronze Star medal

"I will wear this medal with pride on behalf of the sacrifices of the men and women I served with," said Sanders.

"The medal represents contributions of the finest men and women of our generation who have chosen to serve and to defend our country."

The Bronze Star Medal was presented to Sanders for his leadership and meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as the operations officer, 3rd Naval Construction Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) (Forward) from Sept. 16, 2006 to Feb. 10, 2007.

To be eligible for the Bronze Star Medal, a military member must receive hostile fire/imminent danger pay during the event for which the medal is to be awarded.

The Bronze Star Medal is typically referred to by its full name, including the word "medal," to differentiate the decoration from bronze service stars which are worn on campaign medals and other service awards.

Sanders has been deployed three times in the last three years.

He was the officer in charge of a 250-man detachment Task Force Sierra from January to May 2004 in support of Special Forces task forces; the operations officer for NMCB 1 from January to April 2004 in support of II MEF; and his third tour was the operations officer for the 3rd Naval Construction Regiment (NCR) from August 2006 to February 2007 in support of I MEF in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

"I thank God for his blessings and protection and for supporting my family during my deployments," continued Sanders.

Sanders displayed extraordinary ability to lead and direct despite severe tactical and logistical challenges, resulting in the regiment's execution of 212 construction projects valued at $15.5 million throughout the Al Anbar Province in support of Counter-Insurgency Operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He expertly balanced and optimized key engineer assets from four engineer battalions consisting of 1,600 Seabees, Marines, and Soldiers. His tactical employment of engineers in time-sensitive operations amidst constant attacks on camps, projects and convoys was key to successful shaping and combat operations.

Sanders' application of construction knowledge was crucial to the coordination and execution of berming operations in the Jadithah Triad, Iraqi Security/Coalition Force Combat Outpost development supporting Operation Squeeze Play in Ramadi, runway, road and bridge repairs.

"I know Scot well enough that if he were asked to go over again, he would do it without hesitation," said Blount.

"That is just the kind of guy he is - country, God and family."