WINTERVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 7, 2014) --"Attention," rang out over the drill hall at the Capt. Christopher Cash Armed Forces Reserve Center, in Winterville, North Carolina. North Carolina National Guard Soldiers of the 514th Military Police Company stand rigidly and about 30 friends, family members and guests look on in admiration as Army Staff Sgt. Andrew Braxton and Army Sgt. Benjamin Bullard march to the center of the formation to be honored for valor in Afghanistan.
"They are heroes in our midst," said Army Col. Eric Kohl, commander of NCNG's 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, to the crowd during the ceremony.
Several Soldiers of the 514th with Afghan Uniformed Police while on patrol were attacked by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, Oct. 1, 2012. Three Soldiers were killed and three others were wounded. During that attack, Braxton and Bullard earned their valorous medals.
"We lost very great Soldiers, they should be remembered," said Bullard.
The ceremony is brief. The Soldiers salute and Kohl pins the medals, a Army Commendation Medal for Bullard and the Bronze Star for Braxton to the Soldiers' uniform. Each medal has a small 'V' signifying that the medal was awarded for courage in battle.
"The 'V,' is very humbling, it sets them apart," said Kohl.
A few words from Kohl tell a story so few know. Braxton's exceptional courage and dedication to mission helped save the lives of three wounded Soldiers. Kohl also recounted the heroism and leadership of Bullard's service.
"When they told me I got it, the only person I told was my father and Bullard," said Braxton.
Bullard shares his modesty, "I did not tell anyone."
Since Sept. 11, 2001, two other N.C. Guardsmen have received valorous awards in support of the Global War on Terror; both Silver Stars. Over 21,200 Soldiers and Airmen of the N.C. National Guard have mobilized and deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
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