School Resource Lt. Wesley Palmore is walking the schools' halls with more than just a badge. After serving a year in Afghanistan, he was awarded a Bronze Star.

For more than a year Palmore served as a captain in the Army reserves as an embedded tactical trainer and mentor for the First Battalion, Second Brigade of the 205th Corps deployed to the Zabul Province of Afghanistan.

During his 14 month mentorship of the Afghan National Army Company, Palmore conducted a full range of counter insurgency operations.

Palmore was embedded with the Afghan army and most days there were missions to go after the Taliban.

“There were lots of fights,“ said Palmore, who participated in more than 185 combat missions and was involved in 25 direct fire battles. “I am glad to be alive.“

Just two weeks before returning home, Palmore's convoy hit an improvised explosive devise (IED), remembers the soldier.

The actions of Palmore's unit resulted in the capture and exploitation of “anti-government elements” (AGE). His efforts led to the capturing six “high value targets.”

“During a direct fire engagement near Jafar Village Captain Palmore quickly assessed the intent of the AGE and identified two potential egress routes. He advised and assisted the Afghan National Army in blocking the withdrawal of the AGE forces,“ according to the summary of the award, adding that his efforts resulted in the capture of four people, weapons and equipment. “Under fire, Captain Palmore displayed all the qualities of a true combat leader. He demonstrated personal courage, command presence and aggressiveness that inspired his Afghan National Army. Captain Palmore's ability to quickly assess the enemy's situation and formulate courses of action for his Afghan National Army attributed to 45 AGE being killed, over 40 being wounded, 30 being detained and numerous weapon coaches being discovered.“

Palmore also organized 10 humanitarian projects, refurbished bridges and provided supplies to local schools.

Palmore's warm personality led to a personal and professional interest in newcomers joining his unit.

He is also credited with taking a personal initiative to build a strong working relationship with Romanian Infantry units.

While away from home, Palmore untiringly worked to get his troops new barracks, a dining facility, latrines and power generation.

After returning home in July, Palmore, who also served in Kosovo in 2004 and 2005, says he is ready to be back at school.

Palmore says his years of combat and service have made him a better sheriff's deputy as both have many of the same skills and he has learned to be alert at all times.

He has also enjoyed returning home to his wife and 2-year-old son and the freedom he has in the United States.

“I can eat what I want to,“ said Palmore, admitting he missed fast food.

Palmore, who supervises all the school resource officers and floats between schools, hopes to impart to students how blessed they are. He says in Afghanistan many children do not have the opportunity to get an education and fear going to school.

He also wonders about the many children he saw in Afghanistan and what happened to them. One small child in particular came between fire from the Taliban and Palmore's unit.

Palmore, who has served 21 years in the Army Reserves, was also recently promoted to company commander. He has worked for the Sheriff's Office since 1993.