During the Air Force Association’s 2013 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here today, an Air Force lieutenant colonel accepted the 2012 International Affairs Excellence Award for his leadership efforts downrange.

Acting Air Force Secretary Eric Fanning, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and AFA Chairman of the Board George K. Muellner presented the award to Lt. Col. Grant Hargrove as part of opening ceremonies for the three-day event.

According to the award citation, Hargrove distinguished himself as the commander of the Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team at forward operating base Finley-Shields in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. He commanded an 88-person joint multiagency team of Army, Air Force, State Department, United States Agency for International Development and Department of Agriculture personnel.

His leadership was instrumental in revitalizing reintegration programs, guiding public works projects and influencing skills training for Afghan nationals. This increased provincial stability contributed to long-term development programs.