This coin was presented for excellence by the Commander and Command Sergeant Major (CSM), Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) Phoenix.  In 2009, the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Georgia National Guard assumed command of Task Force Phoenix IX.

Task Force Phoenix, or more properly known as Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix (CJTF Phoenix), is an international military formation. It was organized by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) in 2003-2004 to train and mentor the newly created Afghan National Army/Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to establish and maintain law and order throughout Afghanistan using Embedded Training Teams or ETTs.