Blackhawk, Apache helicopters land at Orofino Airport
Engle re-enlists with Idaho Army National Guard
SSG Jim Engle re-enlisted with the Idaho Army National Guard for a second six
year enlistment at the Orofino airport Thursday, Feb. 28. A Blackhawk helicopter
and an Apache helicopter and crews from Gowen Field accompanied Engle from Boise
on the flight to the Orofino airport for his re-enlistment. During his first six
year enlistment Engle was deployed to
Bosnia
and Afghanistan. He had also previously served eight years active duty.
While serving in Afghanistan Engle received the Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Engle’s personal courage and commitment to mission accomplishment in a combat zone, under the most extreme of circumstances, greatly contributed to the success of Operation Enduring Freedom. SSG Engle’s performance reflects great credit upon himself, the Combined/Joint Task Force-76, and the United States Central Command from Feb. 22, 2006 to Feb. 28, 2007.
Engle’s commanding officer recommended the citation for exceptional meritorious service as a Bravo company squad leader and night shift NCOIC. His dedication to the mission and concern for soldiers was instrumental in the unit flying over 4,500 aircraft hours and more than 700 combat missions.
Engle also received the Army Achievement Medal while in Afghanistan for
exceptional achievement during Operation Mountain Lion. He set up his crew to be
able to cover maintenance operations over a 24 hour period. Engle ensured that
all aircraft were maintained fully mission capable and ready for any quick
reaction force mission.
Engle’s crew quickly and thoroughly performed battle damage assessment to heavily damaged aircraft, performed repairs and enabled the aircraft to return to battle. He was commended for taking on extra responsibility and setting the example for others in the task force to emulate.
Pictured top: Family and friends turned out at the Orofino airport Thursday, Feb. 28, to watch as SSG Jim Engle re-enlisted with the Idaho Army National Guard. Engle was flown to the Orofino airport aboard a Blackhawk helicopter, accompanied by an Apache helicopter, also landing at the Orofino airport. Engle is with the 1/183rd Attack Aviation Battalion stationed at Gowen Field in Boise. Pictured (l to r) at the re-enlistment ceremony are Lt. Col. Ted Clemens, Blackhawk pilot; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Josh Provencio, Blackhawk pilot; Captain John Jacobs, Apache pilot; Captain Granger Amthor, Apache pilot, swearing in SSG Jim Engle (center); SGT Dan Foote, crew chief and SFC Joe Slichter, recruiter/crew chief. Engle is the son of Dorylee Engle, Orofino, and Mike Engle, Pierce, and is married to Linda Engle.
Pictured bottom: A Blackhawk and Apache helicopter and their crews landed at the Orofino airport Feb. 28 for SSG Jim Engle’s re-enlistment with the Idaho Army National Guard. Engle was aboard the Blackhawk helicopter, escorted by an Apache helicopter.