Brayton School Teacher Shares Pride for Army Brother in Afghanistan

"He is Bad A— !  Please put it in the paper," wrote Paul Fessock, a musician and gym teacher at school. He wasn't talking about one of his rock and roll idols, or one his best students, but someone closer to his heart, his brother Robert. 

Maj. Robert J. Fessock, was awarded a commendation medal in his role as an Army MP working in Afghanistan. He works as a mentor to the Afghan National Police. Back in October he helped secure the scene during a grisly terrorist attack on a bus convoy in Kabul.

Fessock realizes the danger his brother is in, but stands proud of his accomplishments and of the military in general. Robert Fessock is due to return home to New Jersey in August.

Here is the text of the award:

Narrative Citation To Accompany The Award Of The Joint Service Commendation Medal To Major Robert J. Fessock

Major Robert J. Fessock, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service while deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and overseas contingency operation serving as Operations/Criminal Investigation Division Mentor, Afghan National Police, Camp Phoenix, United States Forces-Afghanistan, 30 October 2011. 

During the deployment, he directly contributed to the safety and security for Kabul Base Cluster (KBC) and the coalition military, contractor personnel, and Afghan civilians.  On October 30, 2011, Major Robert J. Fessock responded to a terrorist attack on the Rhino bus convoy heading towards Camp Julien-Dubbs.  Major Fessock’s selfless actions were critical in the security of the scene of the attack.

Without hesitation, Major Fessock assumed control as on-scene Commander.  He personally volunteered to put himself in great personal danger in order to provide immediate armed response at the scene of attack.  Major Fessock and a team of Afghan National Police, upon arrival at the attack located on the opposite side of Kabul, immediately secured the scene as a quick reaction force (QRF) until more security teams could arrive. 

Once the scene was secure, Major Fessock went above and beyond the call of duty by assisting in the collection of the human remains in the Rhino bus. Major Robert J. Fessock’s distinctive accomplishments reflect credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.