WALTER REED NATIONAL MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER, Washington D.C. — Ian Ives, a recently wounded Army public affairs sergeant assigned to 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) was promoted to Staff Sergeant at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Nov. 21, 2019.

Staff Sgt. Ives received the promotion while recovering from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated during a combat patrol in Farah province, Afghanistan in early October. He was presented his rank bedside while surrounded by family and friends.

Ives is known among his peers and leaders as being an exceptional Non-Commissioned Officer who projects an attitude of perseverance and who cares deeply for his Soldiers.

“It’s a good day in the Army when you can promote a Soldier. He’s a natural leader and had significant impact on the Soldiers he supervised. I’m happy to be here today to promote a fantastic warrior and am excited to see what’s next for him,” said the first sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Company.

Ives was deployed in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan where he quickly became an integral part of the Special Forces teams he was working alongside.

For his courage and commitment to the mission, he was presented the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge.