During the past year, Sergeant Investigator Irene Gorton has been an invaluable member of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's Hawaii Field Office Drug Suppression Team (DST). As an investigative team leader, Sergeant Gorton personally trained several new DST members, planned several high-risk drug operations, and coordinated numerous operations with local and federal law enforcement agencies. her unmatched professional efforts resulted in the safe conduct and resolution of well over 125 drug investigations. Sergeant Gorton's covert drug operation program was successful in minimizing the illegal distribution and use of illicit drugs by soldiers, evidenced by the apprehension of close to 100 drug offenders and the seizure of over 2 pounds of methamphetamine; 8,000 units of valium; and 14,000 units of anabolic steroids.

Newly promoted to the rank of sergeant, Sergeant Gorton's superior leadership skills and selfless devotion to duty uphold the motto of the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps - "Backbone of the Army." She epitomizes the Army's core values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage in everything she does on and off duty. The Hawaii Office's CID Command Team and its senior accredited agents solicit Sergeant Gorton's professional opinion and use her as a role model in the development of other junior agents. Sergeant Gorton's tireless and dedicated commitment has profoundly impacted our Army's and Nation's "War on Drugs."