I had a grandfather and a great-uncle who served in World War II. Friends of my dad's served in Korea. (Dad was unable to do so because of flat feet, but, boy he wanted to.) I had a couple of college professors who were Vietnam vets. And there were some from my high school graduating class who served in Desert Storm. Outside of my parents, I hold no one in higher regard than the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces.

I simply cannot come up with the words to adequately express my gratitude for those in the service of our nation. They've essentially agreed to lay down their lives, if need be, for all of us. In Owensboro, we all watched as Pfc. Brandon Mullins' motorcade moved down Frederica Street last week and then we expressed our sadness at his passing and our pride in his accomplishments when he was laid to rest on Sunday. And, now, Kentuckians have another native son for whom we can be very proud. He is Sgt. Dakota L. Meyer and he hails from Columbia, Kentucky. And today he received the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama. It was during a Taliban ambush that Sergent Meyer decided to forgo an order during a firefight and rescue 36 American and Afghan troops and be instrumental in bringing them to safety. He is only the third living recipient of such an honor and we are very fortunate to be able to reap the benefits of his service.

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