Defender of Freedom

2026

The Honorable Samuel B. Brown

The Honorable Samuel B. Brown is a combat-wounded Army veteran who served as an Infantry Officer with the 1st Infantry Division during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Severely wounded in combat in 2008, Brown overcame life-altering injuries and continued his commitment to serving fellow veterans through advocacy, entrepreneurship, and public service. In 2025, he was confirmed by the United States Senate as the 8th Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he oversees programs honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans. His military awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor.

2024

Col. Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez, USA (Ret.)

Col. Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez is an Air Force veteran who retired in July 2021 after serving for 29 years. He and his family were living in the Netherlands in 2016, as he was sent to NATO Joint Force Command on assignment. While the family resided in the Netherlands, Kato deployed to Afghanistan, his fourth deployment as part of the Global War on Terror.

The family had planned a trip to Florida to visit Disney World upon Kato’s return from deployment. Their travels took them through the Brussels Airport on March 22, 2016. At that time, three suicide bombers detonated bombs within the airport near the Martinez family. Kato and his four of his children sustained serious injuries while Gail, the family matriarch, was killed in the attack. Kato received a Purple Heart in the aftermath of the terror attack.

Kato served five more years after the attack while also receiving treatment for the life-altering injuries he received that are still being treated today. Although he credits Gail for the successes of their children, he pivoted to care for the children as a widower in the aftermath of the events of March 22, 2016. In addition to being the primary caretaker to his children, he is a motivational speaker sharing his message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity with other servicemembers.

2022

Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith, USA (Posthumously)

SFC Paul Smith was killed on April 4, 2003 in a firefight near the airport in Baghdad, Iraq. Smith put his life in danger by taking control of the gunner position of an Armored Personnel Carrier that was completely exposed to enemy fire. He was the last line of defense between the enemy and more than 100 wounded troops behind him. For his actions, SFC Paul Ray Smith was awarded the Medal of Honor, the first in the Global War on Terror.

2019

Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Workman, USMC

Jeremiah Workman was fighting in Fallujah, Iraq on December 23, 2004. He repeatedly risked his life against grenades and gunfire to assist several groups of trapped or wounded Marines in the bloody battle. For his heroism, Workman was presented with the Navy Cross, the military’s second-highest decoration for valor in combat. In addition to his battlefield heroism, Jeremiah has shown great courage in fighting his post-traumatic stress and is an example to fellow combat veterans who struggle with similar issues.

2018

Master Sergeant Gary Gordon, USA and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart, USA (Posthumously)

MSG Gordon and SFC Shughart, Medal of Honor recipients, were recognized posthumously for their heroic actions and selfless sacrifice during the Battle of Mogadishu.

2017

United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command [MARSOC] builds on two centuries of of Marine Corps tradition going all the way back to the Shores of Tripoli, epitomizing agility and the amphibious expeditionary nature at the heart of the Corps’ mission. Today Marine Raiders are deployed across the globe in austere environments to combat terrorism, support our nation’s partners and promote stability and peace.

2016

Lieutenant Commander Wes Modder, USN (Ret.)

Chaplain Modder was recognized for his faithful service to our nation and unwavering commitment to protect religious freedom. Modder has an exceptional service record and has offered spiritual counseling and ministry to some of America’s most elite warriors including U.S. Navy SEALs.

2015

Sergeant Matt Amos, USMC (Ret.)

Sergeant Amos is a brave Marine, who was three months into his third deployment when, on June 9, 2011, he lost both legs and broke his pelvis in an IED blast. Matt has not let his injuries slow him down, he is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys participating in events and activities to help other veterans. His service and sacrifice, and his willingness to help others are an inspiration.

2014

Captain Edward “Flip” Klein, USA (Ret.)

Captain Klein graduated from West Point in 2006. On October 22, 2012, he stepped on an IED and suffered the loss of both legs, his right arm, and three fingers on his left hand. He spent 18 months recovering from his injuries at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

2013

Staff Sergeant Jesse Cottle, USMC (Ret.)

Staff Sergeant Cottle was awarded for his heroism and service to our country as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician in the United States Marine Corps. On July 19, 2009, while conducting combat operations, he was struck by an anti-personnel IED, losing both his legs just above the knees. Following medical evacuation and seven surgeries, he underwent several months of recovery at Naval Medical Center San Diego, which eventually enabled him to walk in prosthetic legs every day.

2012

Sergeant First Class Sammy Davis, USA

Sergeant First Class Sammy Davis, USA, Medal of Honor recipient, was awarded for his extraordinary heroism, immeasurable courage, and dedicated service to our country.

2011

Naval Special Warfare Development Group

The elite and highly classified Naval Special Warfare Development Group – often referred to as “SEAL Team 6” – for their numerous contributions to America’s security. The award was accepted by their unit commander.

2008

First Lieutenant Andrew Kinard, United States Marine Corps

First Lieutenant Kinard was awarded for extraordinary heroism and courage in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Kinard deployed to Iraq with Alpha Company, Second Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion out of Camp Lejeune in North Carolina in August 2006. Six weeks into his deployment, Kinard was severely injured resulting in the loss of both of his legs. He spent the next four months undergoing 60 surgical procedures to restore his normal body functions and the next year recuperating at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

2006

Stephen Siller, New York City Firefighter (Posthumously)

Stephen Siller was awarded for his bravery in the face of grave danger at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Siller was on his way home after just having finished an overnight shift at the firehouse on September 11, 2001, when he heard on his scanner news of the World Trade Center disaster. Siller immediately turned his car around and drove to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. With traffic at a standstill, he got out of his car, strapped on his gear, and ran through the tunnel. He eventually met up with his Squad members as they rushed into the World Trade Center. Siller and 10 other members of his squad perished while saving the lives of their fellow Americans. He received the award posthumously. His brother, Frank Siller, accepted the award on his behalf.

2005

General Tommy Franks, United States Army, Retired

General Franks was awarded for leading U.S. Armed Forces during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Franks was assigned Commander-in-Chief of United States Central Command in June 2000. He led the attack on the Taliban in Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon in 2001. He also led the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.

2004

Stephen Toboz, United States Navy, Retired

Stephen Toboz was awarded for heroic action against al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in Operation Anaconda. Toboz enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1991 and became a member of one the most elite Special Forces units, a Navy SEAL. Toboz was critically injured while rescuing one of his fallen SEALs during Operation Anaconda in the mountains of Afghanistan. He and his fellow warriors engaged in a twelve-hour firefight in below-freezing temperatures to recover their comrade. Toboz, whose leg was amputated, was fitted with a prosthesis and later returned to his unit in Afghanistan.

2003

Captain Sean Basco, United States Marine Corps

Captain Basco was awarded for exceptional bravery in ground combat. Basco was with the Marines who first entered Saddam Hussein’s Al-Azimiyah palace in Baghdad, April of 2003. He was wounded and eventually had to be air-lifted out, but refused to leave until the battle was won.

2002

Commander Pete Bucher, United States Navy

Commander Bucher was awarded for his courage and heroic actions after the USS Pueblo was illegally seized in international waters in 1968 by North Korea. Bucher and his crew were held as POWs for 11 months and starved and brutally tortured by their captors. They were released two days before Christmas, some of them crippled or nearly blind because of malnourishment. Commander Bucher actions saved the lives of his crew, who were finally recognized for their sacrifice over 20 years later in 1989, when the U.S. government granted Prisoner of War medals to them. Bucher retired from the U.S. Navy in 1973 and passed away in 2004.

2002

Mike Spann, Captain, United States Marine Corps and CIA (Posthumously)

Mike Spann was awarded for sacrificing his life while in pursuit of an enemy terrorist. Spann joined the CIA after leaving the Marine Corps in 1999, and served in the agency’s paramilitary wing, the Special Activities Division, which is equipped to arm and train local forces and to conduct covert assaults. In November 2001, Mike Spann was killed by the Taliban during a prison uprising in Afghanistan, becoming the first American casualty of the War on Terror. Spann left behind his widow, Shannon Spann, and three young children, one infant son and two young daughters.

2001

Sean Hannity, Radio and Television Host

Sean Hannity was awarded for his consistent and eloquent defense of freedom and the principles of limited government. His radio show the “Sean Hannity Show” is carried on over 500 radio stations, reaching over 13.25 million listeners weekly. Today “Hannity” on the FOX News Channel is one of the most successful cable news shows broadcasted in America.

2000

Senator Jesse Helms

Senator Jesse Helms was awarded for his lifetime of dedicated service to America and her national sovereignty. Helms served for thirty years in the U.S. Senate before retiring in 2002. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he was one of the most powerful men on Capitol Hill, known as a fierce foe of Communism, the United Nations and Cuban leader Fidel Castro. He was a master of the complicated Senate rules and won many legislative battles by outmaneuvering his opponents. Helms passed away at the age of 86, in July of 2008.

1999

Congressman Bob Barr

Congressman Barr was awarded for his allegiance to the United States Constitution and the defense of liberty. Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003 where he served as Vice-Chairman of the Government Reform Committee and was a senior member of the Judiciary Committee. He led congressional fact-finding missions to numerous countries, investigating terrorism, international crime and drug trafficking.

1998

General Charles Krulak, United States Marine Corps

General Krulak was awarded for his lifelong, dedicated service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Krulak commanded a platoon and two rifle companies during two tours of duty in Vietnam. Prior to becoming Commandant, he served 35 years in the U.S. Marines Corps in numerous command positions including Deputy Director of the White House Military Office and commander of Marine Forces Pacific. He also served in the Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm. His many awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and two Gold Stars, the Purple Heart with gold star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

1997

Ward Connerly, Founder and Chairman of the American Civil Rights Institute

Ward Connerly was awarded for passionately defending our founding principle that all men are created equal. Connerly gained prominence in 1995 when he led a movement that resulted in the University’s Board of Regents voting to end the University’s race-based admissions system.

1996

Captain Scott O’Grady, United States Air Force

Captain Scott O’Grady was awarded for his courage behind enemy lines after his F-16 took a direct hit from a Soviet-made anti-aircraft missile over Bosnia in 1995, while enforcing the NATO no-fly zone. Captain O’Grady struggled to survive in hostile enemy territory of war-torn Bosnia for six days until he was rescued by United States Marines. The movie “Behind Enemy Lines” is loosely based on his spiritual tale of courage, faith and patriotism. Captain O’Grady is also the author of The New York Times bestseller, “Return With Honor” and “Basher Five-Two” a children’s edition of his story.