Kristina Morrow, Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, contracting officer, reviews a contract for the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. Her support to this office led to an invitation to a Medal of Hon...

Attendance at White House ceremonies is often limited to a small audience of individuals closely tied to the event.

The Sept. 15 Medal of Honor ceremony for Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins and Specialist Four Donald P. Sloat was the same with the exception of the addition of Kristina Morrow, an Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, contracting officer.

Morrow provided contracting support for the ceremony to the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army and was extended an invitation to the event. The Maryland native graciously accepted the invitation.

The 80-year-old Atkins was there to accept his award and Sloat received his award posthumously, which was accepted by his brother.

Morrow did not know either of the Soldiers, but said she was honored to be at the ceremony.

"It was a very humbling experience to observe recognition of such incredible bravery and heroism in person," she said. "The respect paid to both men was nothing short of what they and their families deserve."

Morrow said her trip to the White House was as unforgettable as the ceremony.

"I was transported to the White House in an escorted motor coach with the other attendees," Morrow said. "After several security checkpoints, we went into the East Wing for the ceremony which was followed by a reception in the State Room. It's always a great experience to see your contracts come to fruition, but dining in the White House in the company of such valiant men was an unbelievable privilege and an experience I will never forget."