Photo By Col. Steven Fairbourn | Chief of National Guard Bureau Gen. Frank Grass presented the Soldiers Medal to Staff...... read more read more
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DRAPER, Utah - Gen. Frank Grass, chief of National Guard Bureau, presented the Soldier's Medal for heroism to a Utah National Guard soldier at Camp Williams during his visit to Utah Dec. 6.
Staff Sgt. Robert Kelley received the prestigious award because of his selfless actions when he risked his life rescuing three injured individuals from a treacherous plane crash that occurred in West Jordan Aug. 10.
"Anyone would have done what I did if they had been there," said Kelley, the humble reconnaissance sergeant of the 1457th Engineer Battalion and full-time employee of the 640th Regional Training Institute. "My military training just kicked in."
"I am proud of Staff Sgt. Kelley for his heroic actions on that fateful
day," said Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, the adjutant general of the Utah Guard. "Our soldiers exemplify bravery and selflessness in times of need, and do it without thought of personal gain or publicity."
Kelley was fortunate to have Grass present his award while he was visiting the Utah National Guard for the second time as chief of the National Guard. His first trip was during the Utah National Guard change of command when Maj. Gen. Burton took command in 2012.
Grass met with Utah Guard leadership and visited elements at the Wright Air National Guard Base, Camp Williams, and Draper headquarters facility during his trip to Utah Saturday.
"Thank you [to Kelley family] for raising an outstanding young gentleman that became a soldier that has served his nation overseas as well as responded in the homeland when he saw a situation and he saw somebody needed help," Grass said after pinning Kelley. "It really starts at home. It starts as a little child instilling those values—dedication, commitment, and community which come from our families."
| Date Taken: | 12.06.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2014 16:12 |
| Story ID: | 149695 |
| Location: | DRAPER, UTAH, US |
| Web Views: | 307 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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