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 Guardsman honored by Canadian military for bravery By Tech. Sgt. Cheryl Hackley
                National Guard Bureau
 ARLINGTON, Va. - Nearly two years after his deployment to Afghanistan, Army National Guard Col. Steve Williams has been presented Canada's Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) for his hard work, bravery and professionalism. "Col. Williams applied dogged determination, as well as outstanding leadership to ensure that Task Force Grizzly performed to exceptional standards," said Brig. Gen. T.J. Grant, the former National Commander of all Canadian Forces in Afghanistan. Williams is the currently chief of staff for the National Guard Bureau. But from May 2006 to June 2007, he served as commander of U.S. Forces Region Command South and as deputy commander of the Multinational Brigade Region Command South (RC-S) in Afghanistan. His efforts are specifically recognized from May 2006 to November 2006, when the Canadians were the Multinational Brigade Command. Grant said Williams' combined experience in the area of operations, his knowledge of resources and his well-established relations with high-ranking officials and key leaders of Afghanistan served to directly support the strategic goals of the Canadian mission in that country. In September 2006, through the National Atlantic Treaty Organization International Security Assistance Force, RC-S assumed control of the former Taliban Heartland of Helmand, Kandahar and Zabul Provinces. At that time, Williams served under Brig. Gen. David Fraser, Commander of NATO Forces in RC-S, which is also called Task Force Aegis. In early September 2006, Williams led Task Force Grizzly, a group of Army National Guard members from Alaska, South Carolina and Wyoming, active US Army and Canadian and Afghan forces. Led by Williams, "the American bridging force" reduced enemy strength to less than 500 along the Arhgandab River, and successfully crossed the river at a point where the Canadian forces had attempted in vain numerous times. At one point, under direct small-arms fire, Williams dismounted his humvee to personally lead the Canadians and Light Amphibious Vehicles across the river. Once safely across, TF Grizzly set up defensive positions to secure the area. Williams and the task force continued to fight and clear the surrounding area of improvised explosive devices through Sept. 21. At that time, Task Force Grizzly began reconstructing the area. Afghan civilians were allowed to return after fighting ceased and the area was cleared. The entire mission fell under Operation Medusa, a Taliban offensive to prevent the enemy's exploitation of the "seam" created by the transition of authority from the United States to NATO, according to Army Col. Gary Bowman's account of the operation. Bowman said Medusa's goal was to drive the Taliban out of the western approaches of Kandahar City, demonstrate a military presence, and reassure residents that its security was not threatened by Taliban. Lt. Gen. David Richards, commander of the International Security Assistant Force, called Medusa a significant success which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 512 Taliban fighters and another 136 detained. "A tireless advocate for the region, Col. Williams has brought great credit to the United States, to the Canadian Forces, and to Canada," said Grant. Williams said that Brig Gen Fraser was a great leader, who helped build a strong camaraderie among the nations. Furthermore, he said he is honored to receive such an award from another nation, but that he didn't accomplish anything on his own. "The Canadians are a wonderful bunch of soldiers, and we had a superb team that was mission focused," he said. "It was the dedication, heroism, and professionalism of the enlisted Soldiers and a few key officers in our task force that made this mission successful."
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