Sergeant Ian Ives, a recently wounded Army public affairs sergeant assigned to 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) was promoted to Staff Sergeant at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Nov. 21, 2019. Staff Sgt. Ives received the promotion while recovering from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated during a combat patrol in Farah province, Afghanistan in early October. He was presented his rank bedside while surrounded by his command group, family and friends. Ives is known among his peers and leaders as being an exceptional Non-Commissioned Officer who projects an attitude of perseverance and who cares deeply for his Soldiers.