Roman
Kamienski, who wears two hats as ham and U.S. Army reservist, received a surprise gift at his Army unit’s Christmas party
on Dec. 9. He was presented the Army
Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf cluster “for distinguished achievement” while
wearing both hats.
Major
Kamienski KG6QMZ of Diamond Bar, CA, is a member of the Army Military Affiliate
Radio System who works in electronics and computer technology in civilian life. As a reserve officer he led a
team of six fellow Army MARS members supporting VHF communications during a
summer maneuver involving some 3,000 reserve troops.
The hams’ assignment included
installing base stations and repeater system covering a 30-mile convoy route
through mountainous Central California terrain. The operation, “Pacific
Warrior,” mobilized 80 units from western states over a three-week period last
June at Ft Hunter Liggett, the Army’s largest reserve training ground.
Kamienski
was recognized for his role in planning radio communications involving the 63rd
Regional Readiness Command, participating Signal units, and the Army Military
Affiliate Radio System. “Major Kamienski exhibited strong leadership, technical
expertise, the ability to collaborate across areas of responsibility and a positive
attitude in supporting all participants in Pacific Warrior,” his supervisor
said in recommending the medal.
“Pacific
Warrior was a win-win situation where we all worked together with Army and
civilian equipment to help train soldiers and prepare them for combat,”
Kamienski said. He added that troops who saw the hams at work in the difficult
terrain were astounded to hear they were working without pay.
Previously
Kamienski (MARS call AAR9ZA) and the MARS team members received certificates of
commendation from the 63rd RRC’s commander, Major General Paul E.
Mock. The other recipients were Region Nine Army MARS Director Mike Itnyre
W6WAR (AAA9RD), Derrill Coffman W7LTM (AAT9WU), James Coote
W6CJ (AAR9QM), John Byrne W6WJB (AAM9TCA), and Carl Swanson K6CRS (AAM9ICA). All
deployed to the maneuver area for varying periods.
Kamienski has accumulated
some 25 years of military service. He became a ham in 2003 and joined Army MARS
soon thereafter. He holds an Amateur Extra license. His reserve assignment is
the Automation and Telecommunications Division at HQ 63rd RRC.
