Soldier from Ridgeway Awarded High Commendations

RIDGEWAY, MO — Staff Sgt. Scotty Niffen has been awarded an Army commendation medal and a purple heart for saving the life of a fellow soldier in Afghanistan. Niffen, a member of the 642nd Engineer Support Company, 7th Engineer Battalion based in Fort Drum, NY, was involved in clearing enemy ordinance from roadways while serving as a dismount squad leader in eastern Afghanistan. The graduate of Ridgeway High School was hit in the face with shrapnel from an explosive device but saved the life of a comrade despite his injury. During his service in Afghanistan, Niffen’s unit cleared over 40 explosive hazards including over two dozen IEDs, providing safe passage for four different brigade task forces. He was involved in more than 15 dismounted small arms engagements and ambushes, according to the Army citation. Niffen also received the bronze star medal for his overall contributions during the year and the combat action badge for engaging enemy forces. A Polish brigade task force commander also awarded Niffen a bronze Polish Army medal for his support of Polish soldiers in the war zone. The Ridgeway native has been nominated for the Army’s Sturgis Award. Niffen has served in both Afghanistan and Iraq during his deployment. He is presently stationed at Fort Drum while his wife and daughter live at Eagleville, MO.