U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. David L. Albert, Sr. of Boise was awarded the Bronze Star medal on Nov. 16 for exceptionally meritorious service.

While in Afghanistan, Albert conducted over 200 mounted combat patrols in and around the Kabul area of operations, totaling 2,000 miles through hostile territory under the constant threat of ambush.

Albert also assisted in the development and implementation of a plan that resulted in significant advancements in gender equality within the Afghanistan National Army and Afghanistan National Police.

Albert will return home to Boise in January after a one-year tour in Afghanistan.

Upon returning to Boise, Albert will resume his duties as a U.S. Army Reserve Drill Sergeant with the Bravo Company Drill Sergeants of the 2/414th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 95th Division, located at Gowen Field.

He also will resume his search for civilian employment.

Albert has a wife and two sons, the oldest of whom is attending the U.S. Army Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA.