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Winstead Meritorious Service Medal

Lieutenant Colonel Kurt Winstead (left) was recently awarded the Meritorious Service Medal while serving in Iraq with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 194th Engineer Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard. The Jackson, Tennessee unit has been deployed since December 2004.

The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who has distinguished himself or herself by outstanding meritorious achievement or service. LTC Winstead's award states, "For outstanding meritorious performance as the senior Judge Advocate. He was instrumental in forming a consolidated legal office that provided service to over five thousand soldiers and airmen spanning an area covering one half of Iraq. His leadership has been a shining example to all. Such performance reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army."

LTC Winstead is a resident of Franklin, Tennessee. He is a 1978 graduate of Rogersville High School, a 1982 graduate of Centre College and a 1988 graduate of the University of Richmond, Virginia School of Law. LTC Winstead and his wife Beth are natives of Rogersville, Tennessee and moved to middle Tennessee in the late 1980's They are the parents of Bridget and Mary Hannah. He is a founding member of the Nashville law firm of Colbert & Winstead, P.C. where he concentrates in the practice areas of civil litigation, labor and employment and serving as a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed Civil Mediator.

LTC Winstead has been a member of the Tennessee Army National Guard since 1990. He is the Command Staff Judge Advocate for the 194th Engineer Brigade.

Presenting LTC Winstead the Meritorious Service Medal is Brigadier General Jimmy Welch, Commander of the 194th Engineer Brigade.

Story and photos by SFC Pete Quinton, S-5/PAO,
194th Engineer Brigade (TA)
Tennessee Army National Guard
Tallil, AB, Iraq