Heroes helping heroes

Photo By Staff Sgt. Tackora Farrington | Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Brown hugs nurses Jackie Brames while Dr. Einhorn embraces them following Brown's presentation of his Legion of Merit to the doctor. Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Brown, senior enlisted adviser of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and a Greenwood resident, was awarded the Legion of Merit in a ceremony at the IU Health Cancer Pavilion, May 12,  

IN, UNITED STATES

05.24.2022

Story by Sgt. Tackora Farrington 

Indiana National Guard Headquarters

INDIANAPOLIS – Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Brown, senior enlisted adviser of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and a Greenwood resident, was awarded the Legion of Merit in a ceremony at the IU Health Cancer Pavilion, May 12, 2022.

The award represented the 20 years of above and beyond service keeping the state and nation safe.

Traditionally once the order is published and the medal securely pinned, the ceremony would have come to a close. Uniquely for this ceremony, Brown called the room to attention and then removed the award from his chest.

“I feel comfortable being pushed up against the ropes of being a father, son and soldier because ultimately my baseline begins here as a cancer patient,” said Brown. “I went from being in this hospital to being a new soldier focusing on a way that I could give back, because of the leadership I witnessed here.”

During the ceremony Brown discussed the primary tenants of leadership he witnessed as a young man in the hospital. Character, courage, and capability were absolutely provided here, he said.

In attendance during the ceremony was Lawrence H. Einhorn, M.D. and Nurse Jackie Brames who provided treatment 24 years ago to Brown when he fought and won the battle against testicular cancer.

“I spent my entire adult life trying to earn and deserve what you gave me,” Brown said to Dr. Einhorn.

In conclusion Brown asked Einhorn to stand at attention, and Brown placed the Legion of Merit to Einhorn’s shirt while the two exchanged private words. As nurse Jackie stood alongside the doctor, Brown presented her with a lapel pin in recognition of her positive influence and hard work.

“Josh, you have made this count, holy cow, what you have done as a soldier and human being is truly remarkable, this is probably the highest honor I have had in my life, and I’ve had a few honors,” said Einhorn. “This means so much coming from you.”

The Legion of Merit is a military award of the United States armed forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

Long-time friend and mentor Brig. Gen. Justin L. Mann, director of joint staff, presided over the ceremony.

"It is an honor and humbling opportunity to present this award to such a deserving teammate of our organization," said Mann, who at one time was Brown’s commander too.

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• Date Taken: 05.24.2022
• Date Posted: 05.24.2022 11:26
• Story ID: 421371
• Location: IN, US