Stories

When my husband told me he wanted to switch from National Guard to Active Duty, I was nervous as to what that’d mean since I’d never left the area where my family lived and I knew from my dad serving as a Marine (before I was born) that moving around was part of the job.…

My name is Sharron Stevens. I want people to know how proud of my family for serving their country and community. My husband was a Marine for over 13 years before he was medically discharged with a heart problem. He served in Viet Nam twice. My father was in the Coast Guard during World War…

While off duty, U.S. Coast Guard Yeoman Second Class Cody Dmochowski saved the life of a motorcycle accident victim who had been thrown from their motorcycle into a heavily wooded area. Immediately after witnessing the crash, Dmochowski put his own safety at risk and rushed to the scene. He found the victim with severe injuries,…

U.S. Space Force Master Sgt. David Gudgeon, a Space Force Military Training Instructor, demonstrated exceptional composure and lifesaving skill during two separate medical emergencies, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the service members under his care. During the first incident, Gudgeon reacted immediately when a recruit began choking. Remaining calm under…

U.S. Army Captain Emily Malcom distinguished herself when her hometown of Kerrville, Texas, was devastated by catastrophic flash flooding on July 4, 2025, caused by the swelling Guadalupe River that resulted in over 100 fatalities. Upon learning of the crisis, Malcom did not hesitate to act. Despite being stationed at Fort Bliss with the 5th…

U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jon Osterhout voluntarily accepted a high-risk, short-notice deployment to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, during an escalating regional crisis in 2025. Upon arrival in the Middle East, he immediately assumed leadership of a 585-member aircraft maintenance team operating under constant threat of hostile missile fire. His decisive leadership…

Staff Sgt. Theodore Dudley was at home when the fire alarms went off and his apartment building began filling with smoke. As he prepared to evacuate and began descending the stairs, he heard fellow neighbors calling for help, as they were unable to see through the smoke. He managed to not only guide children, several…

When an armored vehicle became submerged, resulting in four missing crew members, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hawthorne took the lead on an underwater recovery mission in Lithuania. In April 2025, four soldiers of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were undertaking a training exercise in Lithuania when their armored vehicle…

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew Garcia exemplified outstanding courage during what began as a routine battalion beach event that turned into a life-or-death crisis. When a fellow Marine was suddenly overtaken by heavy surf and rip currents more than 50 yards from shore, Garcia immediately assessed the life-threatening situation. Without hesitation, he dove headfirst…

In 1957 I married my husband Willie Pinkston. He was an E4 and we moved to Ft Rucker Al and stayed 2 years then on to Fairbanks Alaska staying 5 years. Two children later back to Ft Rucker where another child was born. Then on to Germany. That was a wonderful experience. Then back to…