Office of Defense Cooperation

Operations Officer, Office of Defense Cooperation

Captain Patrick H. Simmons distinguished himself by meritorious service as Operations Officer, Office of Defense Cooperation, United States Embassy, South Africa. During this period, the outstanding professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts of Captain Simmons while permanently attached to the Office of Defense Cooperation resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of programs of major importance to both the U.S. Departments of Defense and State within South Africa. In this critical assignment, Captain Simmons was instrumental in helping to establish and ensure the success of Security Assistance initiatives and European Command/NATO sponsored Military to Military Engagement and State Partnership for Peace within South Africa. Captain Simmons performed over 400 days of combined inactive and active duty as a reservist supporting European Command and Office of Defense Cooperation operations in support of the U.S. Mission's Strategic Plan and Combatant Commander's Country Campaign Plan. His direct contribution to defense support of public diplomacy during several periods of active duty included setting up over 30 bilateral military engagements, as well as managing foreign military sales and finance programs. In addition, Captain Simmons back-filled as the interim Bilateral Affairs Officer in South Africa for over three months until relieved by his permanent active duty replacement, ensuring mission success and seamless program transition. Captain Simmons many contributions culminated in him being selected to represent the Defense and Naval Attachés and United States European Command at NATO's May 2005 West African Training Cruise planning conference. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Simmons reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.

Joint Engagement and Training Officer

Major William S. Gunter distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Joint Engagement and Training Officer, Office of Defense Cooperation - Beirut, American Embassy, Beirut, Lebanon. During this period, Major Gunter single handedly planned and executed over 50 successful service component engagements and Distinguished Visitor events. In addition, he spearheaded the 40 million dollar U.S. and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Joint Capabilities Review (JCR) Close Air Support (CAS) program and led the Joint Committee whose main task was to develop an LAF Air Force CAS capability. Further, Major Gunter provided excellent stewardship over the fourth largest International and Military Education and Training Program in the world with combined expenditures of over five million dollars yearly. During his tenure, he processed well over 200 LAF officers and soldiers to successfuly attend U.S. schools. The distinctive accomplishments of Major Gunter reflect great credit upon himself, the Office of Defense Cooperation and the United States Air Force.