Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel

    Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  News Features
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Oregon National Guard Soldier Recognized for Heroic Actions By John Hughel,
                Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office
 BOISE, Idaho - Maj. Gen. Michael E. Stencel, the adjutant general for the Oregon National Guard, visited the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, during annual training at the Orchards Combat Operation Center July 21 and presented the U.S. Army Soldier’s Medal to one of the Soldiers for an extraordinary act of heroism. On Sept. 23, 2020, near Adair, Oregon, Sgt. Colton A. Church disregarded his safety when he entered a burning vehicle to evacuate a stranded passenger. He exposed himself to smoke inhalation and open flames and evacuated the individual to a safe location. His quick thinking and daring action saved the person’s life before the Adair Fire and Rescue team could arrive. “Oftentimes we ask ourselves, would we personally respond to the same situation the same way Sergeant Church did,” Stencel said while addressing unit members gathered in formation. “But in this case, we know the outcome — because of Sergeant Church’s actions and immediate response, he ran toward the fire and saved a fellow Oregonian.” The awarding of the Soldier’s Medal, introduced in 1926, is rare. It is presented to a member of the Army for heroism in a non-combat event. Church has been a member of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, for nearly 13 years, an 11 Bravo Army infantryman Citizen-Soldier with the Oregon Army National Guard. He grew up in Jackson, Michigan, before moving to Salem, Oregon. In his civilian career, he’s been a metal worker for 24 years and recently joined the ironworker union in Portland. “I am incredibly humbled by this award, but you don’t do this for the benefits, you don’t do it for pay — you do this because you believe in a higher purpose, a higher cause,” Church said. “I don’t think for a second any of these guys would have hesitated either and would have done the same thing. Because honestly, you do it because you want to protect your buddies, family, country, and way of life.” Church’s three sons attended the ceremony. Two of them are enlisted or preparing to join the National Guard. “My son Trace is already in,” he said.” My son Declan is about to join. They’re both 11 Bravos, but my youngest, still too young to join, wants to go in as well.” Church’s family has a long history of serving in the military. “Both my grandfathers served in World War II and their brothers, along with all of my uncles ... nearly every male member of my family has served in some place,” he said, noting that one of his grandmothers was a ‘Rosie Riveter’ during WWII. “She was a machinist and later went to work on the Apollo, Mercury and [Project] Orion projects for NASA.”
 SHARE
 PRINT
  Oregon Army National Guard
 Soldier's Medal
 NY Army Guard Band Performs for Netherlands King and Queen News Features • yesterday
 Chaplains Address Guard Soldiers’ Spiritual, Mental Health News Features • 6 days ago
 Guard General Retires After Final Watch at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier News Features • 7 days ago
 Young Cancer Patient Made Honorary 1st Sergeant in Illinois Guard News Features • 7 days ago
 80 Years Ago, National Guard Units Played Key Role in D-Day Landings News Features • 13 days ago
 2024 (47)  2023 (107)  2022 (121)  2021 (119)  2020 (203)  2019 (208)  2018 (165)  2017 (164)  2016 (109)  2015 (52)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil