Be still my beating heart!!

Friday was the official ceremony where Trace was awarded his Airman's medal.

The Airman's Medal was established by Congress on 6 July 1960 to take the place of the Soldier's medal which, up until that time, had been awarded to Air Force personnel. The Soldier's medal was established by Act of Congress on 2 July 1926, for award to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or of a friendly foreign nation, who while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States distinguished himself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The degree of heroism, while of a lesser degree than that required for the Silver star, must be above the call of duty and clearly set the individual apart from his comrades. Award of this medal is not intended to be made solely on the basis of having saved a life. For acts of lifesaving, or attempted lifesaving, it is required that the action be performed at the risk of one's own life

It was awarded to Trace for saving a Jordanian officer who had gotten caught in a riptide and was drowning while swimming in the ocean during his deployment to Liberia, Africa this summer.

The girls were able to attend the ceremony and they were awe struck.(okay, so was I!) Mariah said she had never seen so many people in camoflauge all together in one place! Lt General Siep from DM flew in to award Trace his medal (how cool is that?)On the way back to school Mariah said she was so happy for daddy that durning the ceremony she felt like crying!! Me too, honey...ME TOO! We're very proud of him! He'll aways be our HERO!