From high school cross-country record breaker to a highly decorated army officer, Kristan Addleman has exceeded the expectations of even her high school teachers since her graduation from Kimball High School.

She traded in her running shoes for a pair of combat boots. Her water bottle became a government issues canteen.

Kristan Joley Addleman grew up in Kimball and is the daughter of Monte and Vickie Addleman. She graduated from Kimball High School in 1999.

During her high school years Addleman was active in sports. She was an avid runner in cross-country and is still listed on the records books at Kimball High School.

Addleman medaled many times in her high school career. She is listed in the top three for the 4000 Meter in her junior year. She is ranked number five in the over all senior list for the 4000 Meter as well. Addleman also placed 4th in the 3200 Meter Run.

Addleman and her team went to state in 1997 and were ranked eighth place. On an individual level she ranked seventh.

During her high school years, Addleman worked locally at Subway in Kimball and at Cabela’s in Sidney.

After graduation Addleman left Kimball to go to college at Doane in Crete, Nebraska on a running scholarship. She did well in college and graduated from Doane with a Bachelor’s degree having a major in Chemistry and a minor in Biology.

She applied to medical school and was accepted. Prior to school starting there was some question as to tuition. This put off medical school and Addleman enlisted in the army.

Finishing basic training, Addleman came out with a Spec. 4 rank. The army tested her, and determined she would be better serving as an officer, and sent her to Officer Candidate School.

Upon finishing OCS, Addleman had the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. She applied and was accepted into the Air Borne Division. She received her wings on March 6, 2009. During this time she was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for outstanding performance and advanced to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Addleman received orders and left for Iraq on Labor Day of 2009. With her head held high Addleman marched away with her platoon, turned, and blew her mom a kiss. This was the last time Mrs. Addleman would see her daughter for a year.

The strength and discipline of this runner would pull together and earn her another medal. She was made Distribution Platoon Leader for Excalibur Company in support of Task Force Black Lion. She orchestrated preparation and consummation of more than 210 Combat Logistical Patrols. Her unique leadership and unquestionable judgment was undeniable from the start of her tour of duty in Iraq, according to evaluation’s from the United States Army.

Addleman was a great runner but did not run from duty. Due to her levelheadedness and ability to size up the situation and lead,she and four other soldiers were involved in two attacks, her quick action and leadership earned her the Bronze Star.

The U. S. Army and the Director of Samarra JCC awarded it to Addleman for her efforts and actions.

The Bronze Star is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award (including both combat and non-combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations.

According to further military evaluations Addleman persevered in the Convoy Commander role for the acute execution of over 210 night Combat Logistical Patrols and numerous daytime patrols, to re-supply the southern Salah Ad Din Province comprised of seven Forward Operating Bases (FOB). She led the transportation of equipment, civilian and military personnel, and provided the security for civilian contractors and their equipment, without incident. She was directly responsible for the loading and transportation of all classes of supply in direct support for Task Force Black Lion and all supported enabler units.

Addleman unique leadership and unquestionable judgment has been undeniable from the start when the Distribution Platoon was conducting their Relief In Place with Delta Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary Regiment and she and four of her Soldiers were involved in an IED attack all receiving the Combat Action Badge. This was evident as the Platoon was engaged in another IRL attack and reacted without fail, thus ensuring the safety of  all passengers on the CLP and continuing on with the mission, as they did every single night regardless of weather or enemy actions in the Area of Operation.

In addition to the nightly support mission, Addleman led her Platoon in the execution of OPN SLIM LION back-hauling over 200 containers full of excess supplies to enable outlining FOBs to meet their closure timelines. She also back-hauled over 100 pieces of rolling stock to stage in the Black Lion Motor Pool on Al Bakr Airbase to prepare for the Theater Provided Equipment (TPE) Turn-In, as well as moving rolling stock and equipment between FOBs to support the Task Force Black Lion mission.

Addleman is also responsible for leading her platoon in the delivery of over 1000 barriers for staging at outlining FOBs in support of the defense of polling stations for the 2010 Iraqi National Elections.

Addleman was directly responsible for the accountability of over $9 million worth of IPE and Organizational “Equipment. She was also responsible for managing over $2 million worth of TPE her soldiers were accountable for at three separate FOBs. At any given point her equipment had been spread out across six separate locations, and she was able to track and account for it without loss or negligence. She oversaw the issuing and receiving of 693,000 gallons of JPS, 243,000 gallons of DF2, 18,000 gallons of MOGAS, and various petroleum products for Task Force Black Lion over the course of 150 fuel support missions. She was also responsible for supervising the PMCS and upkeep of over 60 pieces of rolling stock assigned to her Platoon. She reported all status of equipment to enable that it was properly tracked and maintained, ensuring the success of all Distribution Platoon missions in support of Task Force Black Lion.

Addleman capacity and ability to learn combined with her leadership as the Excalibur Company Distribution Platoon Leader resulted in over 210 successful missions in support of all Task Force Black Lion Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen in the Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq. The actions of lLT Addleman are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon her, Task Force Black Lion, The Dragon Brigade, Task Force Marne, and the United States Army, according to army records.

Addleman returned home from Iraq Aug. 13 and is stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. She is the Executive Officer of Planning and Operations for “E” Company, 701st Brigade Support Battalion Excalibur 128 Infantry Division.

Addleman is the proud mother of Trenton and Sheyanne Elsen. She is looking to finish her masters, spending time with her family and is in line for captain next July.

Addleman has shown bravery and great leadership for our country. Kimball is proud of you Addleman and we salute you!