Steve is really decorated and has accomplished a lot in his career. It is really quite intimidating, considering he is two years younger than I am. After 9/11 he reported to the USS Enterprise and served as officer on deck for strike and combat operations in the middle East. He has been a Reactor Training Officer, Reactor Electrical Division Officer, Engine Officer for 8 reactor plants, Environmental Safety Officer, Radiological Control officer, and much more. When he retired he was Radiological Control Officer at the INL. He also was called to Japan after the Tsunami when the nuclear reactors were threatening to melt down.He also has two masters degrees and an additional bachelors degree.
The ceremony was really amazing to watch. We also had dinner after the ceremony. It was probably a once in a lifetime experience. Honestly I didn't want to go but I am so glad that we went. It was an honor to realize how much the military does for us. I have thought about it often, but to really listen to how much one man has done to keep our Country safe was just heartfelt.
One of my favorite parts was when they presented him the flag and read this poem "Old Glory"
OLD GLORY
Original Poem By Howard Schnaube
I am the Flag of the United States of America - My name is Old Glory!
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over great institutions of learning.
I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world.
Look up and see me!
I stand for Peace, Honor, Truth, and Justice - I stand for Freedom.
I am confident, I am arrogant, I am proud!
When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer.
I bow to no one - I am recognized all over the world.
I am Worshipped, I am Loved, and I am feared!
I have fought in every battle of every war for more than two hundred years:
Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argon Forest, Anzio, Rome, Pearl Harbor, the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Viet Nam, the Persian Gulf, and a score of other places long forgotten by all but those who were there with me.
Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argon Forest, Anzio, Rome, Pearl Harbor, the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Viet Nam, the Persian Gulf, and a score of other places long forgotten by all but those who were there with me.
I was there.
I led my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines,
I followed them, and watched over them. They love me.
I was on a small hill on Iwo Jima.
I was dirty, battle worn, and tired, but my Soldiers cheered me, and I was PROUD!
I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled in the streets of countries that I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled on the streets of own country, but when it is by those whom I have served with in battle, it HURTS!
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of earth, and from my vantage point on the moon, I stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space.
I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hour comes...
-- when I am torn into strips to be used as a bandage for my wounded comrades on the field of battle,
-- when I fly at half mast to honor my Soldiers, my Sailors, my Airmen, my Marines,
-- and when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother - at the graveside of her fallen son or daughter.
I am proud - My name is Old Glory!
Long may I wave, dear God. Long may I wave
Steve gave Austin his sword. (Steve isn't the one presenting the sword)
On a side note poor Austin had just gotten out of the hospital that morning. He was admitted the day before because his blood sugar was really high, like over 500, he was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes. He is lucky they released him, if they wouldn't have the ceremony would have been postponed.
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