Dakota Meyer is the third living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War, and the first living United States Marine in 41 years to be so honored.
Born and raised in Columbia, Kentucky, Sgt. Meyer enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2006 after graduating from Green County High School. He completed his basic training at Parris Island Recruit Training Depot later that year.
As a school-trained sniper and highly skilled Marine infantryman, Sgt. Meyer deployed twice into active combat duty. In 2007, he deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom; and in 2009-10, he deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.
In September 2011, President Obama awarded Sgt. Meyer the Medal of Honor — the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government – in recognition of his acts of extraordinary valor on Sept. 8, 2009. Over the course of a six-hour firefight, without regard for his own personal safety, Sgt. Meyer repeatedly braved enemy fire in eastern Afghanistan to find and save fellow members of his embedded training team.
Wounded by shrapnel, Sgt. Meyer entered the kill zone numerous times to evacuate the Marines and soldiers along with the Afghan soldiers. On his last trip in, Sgt. Meyer recovered the bodies of three missing Marines and a Navy corpsman killed in the battle: 1st Lt. Michael Johnson, Staff Sgt. Aaron Kenefick, Hospital Corpsman Third Class James R. Layton and Gunnery Sgt. Edwin Wayne Johnson Jr.
Sgt. Dakota Meyer completed his active duty in 2010 and now serves in the Individual Ready Reserve of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Since returning to civilian life, Sgt. Meyer continues to work to tell the stories of the Marines with whom he served.
Andre Smith was born in the United States and has risen to the status of IFBB professional and Men’s Physique Competitor. He has loved competitive sports since he was a child and spent most of his school years playing sports.
After high school, Andre joined the United States Army and served as a Military Policeman. Andre has traveled all across the world, including Asia, Europe and the Middle East. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his honor and bravery.
After completing his service, Andre started a new career in fitness. He began competing in 2014, and he won the titles Mr. Fort Benning and Mr. Alabama. In 2015, Andre was awarded his professional card with IFBB after his after winning his class at the NPC Nationals.
Brian Scott enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2005. In 2006 and 2007, he served two (nearly) back to back tours in Iraq. After being injured in combat in 2007, he returned to the United States to continue his service. In 2008, Brian watched his son being born via Skype.
Deployed in 2009 to Osan, South Korea, his career took difficult turn when he underwent massive surgery to rebuild his should using ligaments from his own hamstring. In 2012, he was deployed again to Kuwait. He continued to suffer additional physical complications, including severe compartment syndrome and subsequent surgeries to address these injuries. He spent the next two years in physical rehabilitation programs, unable to walk. On February 17th, 2014, Brian Scott took his first unassisted steps. Brian’s story is one of service and sacrifice. His determination, bravery and a willingness to never quit is something to be honored and supported.
