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❤️🇺🇸🙏♥️Brigadier General Lauren S. Edwards, a combat engineer officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, deployed multiple times to active combat zones, demonstrating leadership under fire. In 2003, during the initial invasion of Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, she commanded Engineer Operations Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron-371. When her convoy of over 150 Marines came under enemy attack, Edwards directed defensive maneuvers, led a counterattack, and ensured the unit's safe repositioning while returning fire. For her actions as forward arming and refueling point team commander, she earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V" device. She returned to Iraq in 2008 for another tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in key engineer roles amid ongoing hostilities. From 2009 to 2010, Edwards deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom, commanding Combat Logistics Battalion-6's engineer company, where she supported ground operations in a high-threat environment. Her service earned her the Combat Action Ribbon, recognizing direct engagement with enemy forces. Earlier assignments included platoon commander in the 9th Engineer Support Battalion and engineer detachment commander with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, building her expertise in combat engineering tasks like route clearance and fortification under pressure. Edwards' repeated exposure to combat highlights the demands faced by Marine leaders in modern warfare. Her valor and tactical decisions saved lives and advanced missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Well done, Brigadier General Edwards!#usmc #marinecorps