National Collegiate Athletic Association

NCAA News Archive - 2010

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Apr 15, 2010 8:20:22 AM

Former Navy swimmer Sara Saltzstein received the Bronze Star from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on April 7.

A 1991 graduate of the Naval Academy, Saltzstein was an All-American in five events during her swimming career and currently serves as the officer representative for the women's swimming team at the school.

Saltzstein was recognized for her distinguished career and her service in Afghanistan. She currently serves as the brigade medical officer. She was honored for her service at the U.S. Army's Camp Clark in Khowst, Afghanistan, and was deployed as an embedded training team medical mentor and officer in charge of troop medical clinic. She spent 13 months in Afghanistan through December 2008.

The Bronze Star recognizes individuals in the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. Awards may be made for acts of heroism or for meritorious achievement or service.

Saltzstein's citation reads:

"For exceptionally meritorious service while deployed to a combat theater in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Camp Clark Senior Medical Officer and Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. Commander Saltzstein's leadership, drive and initiative resulted in outstanding medical support to the Afghan Army advisor mission and contributed directly to the success of the counterinsurgency operations in Khowst and Paktya Provinces. Her performance of duty in an austere combat environment reflects distinct credit upon her, the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan and the United States Navy."