Also, haircut.

Specialist Robert Heckrote - the youngest of my high school {Vice Principal|Dungeon Master}'s four kids, has been awarded a Bronze Star.

Heckrote’s medal is particularly rare. A Bronze Star for Valor, it was presented for his actions on Aug. 23, 2005. While he was serving as a rifleman in a security detail during a military operation, the soldiers came under fire from snipers and enemy soldiers wielding AK-47s, according to a medal citation read during the ceremony.

Two U.S. soldiers assigned as trainers for the Iraqi army were shot, and Heckrote positioned his vehicle to provide cover for the fallen men. He then exited his Humvee and administered first aid to those injured.

“Specialist Heckrote, with total disregard for his own life and welfare, displayed an immeasurable amount of valor,” said Sgt. 1st Class Douglass Francke. “(He) displayed a true genuine quality of selflessness and valor, instinctively.”

“I just followed directions,” said Heckrote, a Liberty resident. “I didn’t think much about it.”

\m/.