Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Tom Wade | Maj. Gen. Steven Abt, Deputy Command General US Army Accessions Command, congratulates...... read more read more
SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Always putting mission first is a saying dear and near to many Army Soldiers heart. It is because of their sacrifices in Iraq and Afghanistan, 98 of American's best fighting force was honored Jan. 9 at the Alamodome during the 10th anniversary All American Bowl. The pre-game presentation cap a week to which our war heroes and All American high school football players shared some inspirational time with each other.
For Indiana, they are especially proud of the sacrifices Sgt. Adam Sturdivant, Staff Sgt. Robert Higgins, Staff Sgt. Yyvette Wade, and Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Lane gave to their country in defense of our freedom. Each soldier never back down in the face of the enemy because they believe in the NCO creed and lived the Army's seven core values.
For Sturdviant, serving in the Army was a call of duty his grandfather, uncle and brother all made. This is why he had no problems serving multiple tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After his tour Sturdivant received a Purple Heart, a Combat Action Badge and an Army Commendation Medal for his fearless sacrifices.
Sturdviant serves as the example of how a Soldier should puts his country and unit ahead of one's own personal ambitions.
Higgins served multiple deployments to Iraq as a Motor Sergeant. After finishing his tours, Higgins was honored with a Bronze Medal star, a Purple Heart, multiple Army Reserve Commendation Medals and multiple Army Achievement Medals. The most important characteristic Higgins values is the dignity and honor of serving this great country.
"When looking back on our country's history we read of all the people who have died for our freedom" Higgins stated.
"Their ultimate sacrifice is the source of my pride", Higgins added.
It is because of pride why this week has been special to Higgins. By spending time with teenagers whom will help shape the future of America, Higgins felt he performed his civic duty above and beyond the call of duty.
For Wade, her multiple deployments left her to deal with the aftermath of an improvised electronic device blast which a ruptured and herniated disks between her neck and back. This incident happened during the early part of her second deployment, but did not stop her from completing the mission to which she was there for. After completion of her tour, Wade was awarded an Army Commendation Medal and multiple Army Achievement Medals for her service to our nation.
"The events that were featured during the weeklong celebration shows these high school students what opportunities are out there besides football" stated Yyvette Wade.
"I am thankful that a lot of people support the military, but we still have a long way to go towards bridging the gap of disable veterans and their benefits", Wade added.
Lane is a Special Forces medical sergeant whom served multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor and the Bronze Star Medal for Service as well as well as an Army Commendation Medal for service, after completing his tours.
Lane stated it was an honor being part of the week long program honoring Solider whom laid down their lives to complete their missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lane stated that he is also equally impressed that the American people continue to support Soldier's regardless of color or political affiliation.
These four soldiers represent a small portion of those making daily sacrifices to defend the freedoms we cherish today. Justice and liberty comes with a price that many of tomorrow leaders discovered in the river city. It is because both player and hero put mission first they walked out of San Antonio winners in life.
| Date Taken: | 01.09.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.15.2010 17:34 |
| Story ID: | 43915 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 238 |
| Downloads: | 188 |
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