 Distinguished guests, my family and friends, fellow veterans, soldiers, sailors, airmen and women, Marines. Thank you for being with me on this very special day. I'm deeply humbled. Before I get into these prepared remarks, I would like to remind you, boys, that I gave you a good glow in the dark, counter-salt coin. Hopefully that still takes priority over any of the other ones. But as I said yesterday at the White House, this medal represents the great work of the team and all those men who are sitting with me today. We work together as a tight-knit family. We trusted one another and we share a bond that's far greater than words can describe. We're truly brothers, whether we speak every day or not for months or years. At any time we know, we can just pick right up, right where we left off. To this day, there's still nothing we wouldn't do for each other. This Medal of Honor is for those who didn't make it in past and present battles. Those who are still out there confronting the enemy and building partnerships and my teammates who persevered on April 6th, 2008. For me, like many others, joining America's fighting force in response to the 9-11 attacks was the right thing to do. It's hard to believe that it's been 17 years since that the evil had struck our land. But we stood up together and we made a difference. That's why I joined to try and make a difference. I'm so proud that my parents, grandfather and great-grandfather would serve before me and they taught me the value of service before self. So I was actually born on December 7th, and so growing up I learned a lot about Pearl Harbor. Probably too much, you guys should have done less. But never imagining that I would see another direct attack on America. As a man, I couldn't believe what I was watching on TV. I was in graduate school at Washington State University. And like so many others, I was angry watching the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon and the downplane in Pennsylvania. I could not believe what was happening. It was my duty to join the military to help. Eventually, Don and the Green Beret eventually becoming their medic. So before every battle or mission that we would go out on, unfortunately he couldn't be here today, but one of the guys with us, Ryan, he would always take his commando squad and he would bring them over to me and he would say, if something happens to me, find Ron. Little did I know that the calls for Ron in April 6th, 2008 would come from all around me. Special Forces Operational Attachment Alpha 3336 was a strong family overcoming the odds. The ODA was on a mission to capture and kill the high-value target in Shock Valley, Afghanistan. For over six hours we fought together and it seemed like an eternity, but we never stopped working together. Everyone knew their job and was ready to do it. From the moment we got off the helicopters, we were surrounded by a harsh terrain and a well-prepared enemy who had the stronghold. As we navigated through the valley, insurgent sniper fire, rocket propelled grenades, small arms and machine gun fire forced us into defensive fighting positions. Within the first few moments of the fight, I heard the first calls for help and I moved to a wounded Afghan commando. As I finished helping him, I remember looking over the valley and seeing an RPG land near some of the defending troops quickly followed by calls for Ron coming down the line. So I knew immediately who had been hurt. I didn't have long to help treat Ryan's shrapnel wounds before hearing radio calls that the forward assault element had been pinned down and more casualties needed help. All I remember is working to get to my brothers. I don't remember gunfire, I don't remember obstacles. Over the course of the battle, the casualties continued to mount both Afghan and American and I relied on my training and I tried to focus on one thing at a time, one problem at a time. It worked as long as I could. I'll always be grateful to have served alongside you guys. It was tough, but I was glad I could be there for you on that day. Two amazing warriors did lose their lives that day. An Afghan commando named Bahrain, became close-blade. And one of our interpreters, Idris CK Han, they died that day fighting to make the world a better place. We're always close with our interpreters and rely on them to accomplish every mission. Two of them were here with us today. Like them, CK always dreamed of making it to America. And while there was nothing I could do for him that day, I know that his name lives on. My son Tyler's middle name is Idris, to bring a small piece of CK to the States. There's nothing more sacred than family and my brothers from that battle and alongside with them, their families that are here today as well. My family gave me great values. And for my wife and sons, Cameron, Tyler, Miranda, I love you guys. Your constant support over the years has kept me going. You've given me many home front celebrations with every soccer game, with every T-ball game, with every school event. We always get stronger and better together. This family reunion with our extended military family is a reminder of how strong and resilient we all are when it comes to God and country. I wear this uniform so proudly. Adorned with a medal of honor for those who didn't make it, for those who are still out there fighting, and especially for the men of ODA 3336. God bless America. Thank you.