Five civilian employees of the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations were awarded the Medal for the Defense of Freedom after being injured in a bomb blast in Baghdad, Iraq in 2010. The Deputy Under Secretary of Defense and TFBSO Director Paul Brinkley and four others were meeting with an Iraqi business leader when a powerful bomb detonated 30 meters away, injuring them with concussive effects and shrapnel. Despite their injuries, all five returned to work without interruption under hazardous security conditions in Iraq. The award commends the team for their sacrifice and dedication while supporting economic reconstruction efforts in dangerous conditions.