Yellow Ribbon Program: Freedom Salute

This past weekend we attended the Yellow Ribbon Event and Freedom Salute supporting the 334th Brigade Support Battalion and 185th Combat Service Support Battalion and the service and sacrifice they gave for our country's freedom in the recent deployment to Afghanistan. It was a weekend full of multiple seminars to educate the soldiers and family of the changes and adjustments that will take place now that the soldier has returned home as well as what benefits are now available to these soldiers now that they are Veterans.

I will not bore you all with all the information we received and sessions we sat through all weekend, but I did want to share with you the awards Axton was given to thank him for his service to our country.

First is this certificate.

"Since the birth of this, our great nation, it is the American Soldier who has been distinguished as the cardinal defender of freedom and liberty. You have proven that the timeless values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage are so much more than mere words, and are a living testament to the highest hopes and ideals upon which our forefathers founded a new republic, The United States of America. Wherever freedom is threatened and liberty attacked, whenever there is a threat to our way of life, The American Way of Life, you are there, ever faithful, steadfast and ready to defend. Whether in times of peace or conflict, no matter how great or small the task, there you will most assuredly stand. Your Country, Your People, and Your President salute you. You are what makes this country great. You are an American Soldier. You are The Guard."

Next are these two lapels.

"The Defender of Freedom lapel insignia is issued and worn, exclusively, by the citizen-soldiers of the Army National Guard, as a token and symbol of distinction, in recognition of their selfless service, and thusly the significant sacrifices made on behalf of their country."


"The National Guard Team honorary insignia is awarded in limited quantity to designated civilians, specifically family members, friends, and employers, in recognition and appreciation of their role in supporting 'their' individual citizen-soldier and the efforts of the Army National Guard as a whole."

Next is this coin.

And then this medal.

"We will not waver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and Freedom will prevail."

And lastly, this flag.


"This flag is presented to a true American Hero in recognition for your service and sacrifice in the cause of freedom. Your service will never be forgotten. From the grateful people of this nation."

Again, thank you ALL for your continued love, support, and encouragement through this deployment. We are SO grateful that he is home safely, but most importantly that we have such amazing friends and family who were more than willing to support us through this in whatever way we needed. We could never thank you enough!