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U.S. Government officials and DynCorp International Honor Police trainers injured in Iraq

Former Trainers from North Carolina and South Dakota Honored with Defense of Freedom Medal, Special Recognition from the Department of State and President’s Valor Award from DynCorp International

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — February 26, 2010 — Representatives for the Department of Defense, the U.S. Congress, the Department of State, and DynCorp International (DI) gathered on February 17, 2010 to honor two former civilian police trainers who received devastating injuries while working in Iraq to help build and strengthen Iraq's police force.

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Left to right: Tate Mallory, Bill Ballhaus of DynCorp International and Ken Leonard

Kenneth Leonard and Tate Mallory, the two trainers, were honored by a crowd of more than 200 people. Both worked for DI on the International Civilian Police Program (CIVPOL) contract with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). In Iraq they were under the Civilian Police Advisory Training Team, the component of the Multinational Security Transition Command responsible for the U.S.-led effort to train and equip the 135,000-member Iraqi police service.

The DynCorp International President’s Valor award was presented to Kenneth Leonard and Tate Mallory by Tony Smeraglinolo, president of DI's Global Stability and Development Solutions (GSDS) division. The DI President’s Valor Award is the highest recognition given by the company, and has been awarded only 11 other times.

"This award is presented to individuals who have exemplified bravery and heroism in execution of their responsibilities in the most challenging of circumstances," said Tony Smeraglinolo in his remarks. "Ken and Tate have demonstrated not only great bravery but resounding resilience, unequalled commitment to service and are truly great Americans."

State Department INL Bureau Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary William McGlynn presented certificates of appreciation on behalf of the State Department and spoke of the men’s skills and contributions working in the most difficult of circumstances. The State Department also presented DI Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Director Mike Warren with a special certificate of recognition for his work in creating and running a unique program that assists employees and their families, and his personal commitment to helping each employee and family member who needs him.

Kenneth Leonard, High Point North Carolina

Kenneth Leonard of High Point, N.C. had trained Iraqi police in Baghdad for more than a year when a roadside bomb hit his armored vehicle and he lost both legs below the knee. Returning home, Leonard dedicated himself to physical therapy, learned how to walk and run again. After passing the police officers’ physical agility test, he returned to work with North Carolina's High Point Police Department.

"If it were up to me there would probably be about 8,000 people up here with me because that's pretty much the support that I had over the years," Leonard said in accepting the awards. "Everybody, every step of the way, I wouldn’t be here without them."

Brooks Tucker, deputy staff director for U.S. Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina, read a letter from Sen. Burr to Leonard. "The fabric of our American society and the communities that comprise it are made strong by noble men like you who unflinchingly answer the call to serve their fellow man and protect life and property," Burr said in the letter. "Your commitment to those values spurred you to leave your families and your communities to provide the benefit of your skills and experience to the Iraqi police in their time of national crisis and conflict."

Tate Mallory, South Dakota

Tate Mallory, a former assistant police chief in Winner, S.D., was injured in Anbar Province Iraq when a rocket-propelled grenade pierced his vehicle, entered his back and exited his abdomen, leaving him disabled. Mallory, currently in school, is a founding member of the CIVPOL Alumni Association, a group formed to assist other international law enforcement officers who were injured overseas.

Mallory, who was joined at the ceremony by his fiancée and members of the team who were with him when he was injured, thanked those who helped him through his long road to recovery.

"I want to thank the Marines for taking such good care of us. Had it not been for them the night of that convoy, I certainly wouldn’t be here today. I can’t say enough… they were absolute heroes… I spent the last three Christmases with my kids thanks to them and what they did for me out there that night. I would also like to thank the State Department and DynCorp for the way that I've been treated since I’ve been injured," Mallory said.

"The second they flew me to Germany (for treatment) there was a DynCorp representative there waiting for me. When I flew back to South Dakota there was a DynCorp representative waiting for me to make sure I had everything in order. And throughout the whole process Mike Warren was only a phone call away."

Brad Cochran of U.S. Senator John Thune's office presented Mallory with the Defense of Freedom Medal, the civilian equivalent of the Military Purple Heart. In presenting the medal to Mallory, Cochran said, "This medal symbolizes the essential service of the military civilian workforce who are an integral part of preserving our national security… Those that wear this medal have shown their dedication to service, their unquestioned valor, and their courage."

About DynCorp International
DynCorp International is a global government services provider in support of U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives, delivering support solutions for defense, diplomacy, and international development. DI operates major programs in logistics, platform support, contingency operations, and training and mentoring to reinforce security, community stability, and the rule of law. DynCorp International is headquartered in Falls Church, Va. For more information, visit www.dyn-intl.com.

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