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Defense Department Recognizes ATF Special Agent With General's Award

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army National Training Center today presented ATF Special Agent Timothy M. Kelly with the Commanding General's Commendation Award in recognition for his service to the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). Deputy Director Kenneth E. Melson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lt. Col. Kevin Gonzalez, U.S. Marine Corps, participated in the award ceremony at ATF headquarters, marking the first time a civilian has been so honored.

"Special Agent Kelly's work with JIEDDO mirrors his commitment to ATF. We are honored to recognize his efforts, which embody the proud legacy of ATF employees who serve in many capacities across this country and around the world," said Melson.

"This partnership with ATF has been instrumental in the United States' fight against the insurgency in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Gonzalez.

Special Agent Kelly was instrumental in the establishment of a homemade explosives (HME) canine imprinting program with the Marine Corps at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. In addition, he assisted in the development of an improvised explosive device (IED)-related course at Fort Irwin, Calif. He also participated in the development of an HME website and developed an HME mobile training team concept that will be used at military bases across the country.

Special Agent Kelly is assigned to the Department of Defense's JIEDDO, which allows ATF experts to train military personnel, prior to deployment, in the detection and criminal investigation of IEDs. JIEDDO directs Department of Defense actions in support of combatant commanders and their respective joint task forces in efforts to defeat IEDs as weapons of strategic influence.

In 2007, ATF expanded its explosives training programs to assist U.S. military efforts to combat IEDs used by terrorists in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. The program, under a Department of Justice initiative, includes detailing an ATF special agent who is a certified explosives specialist to the staff of JIEDDO's Joint Center of Excellence at Fort Irwin.

More information on ATF and its programs is at www.atf.gov.

Contact: Public Affairs Division

202-648-8500

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives