On the recordAugust 21, 2018
it is my honor to pay tribute today to two exceptional Oklahomans and patriots, retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Michael ``Tony'' Dunne of Webber Falls, OK, and retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Brandon ``Ray'' Seabolt of Skiatook, OK. On August 14, 2018, both were awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor, the highest civilian award presented by the Department of Defense. On August 7, 2015, Tony was working at Camp Integrity, just north of Kabul, Afghanistan, executing duties as contractors for the Department of Defense when a potent vehicle-borne improvised explosive device impaled the main gate and knocked down a guard tower. Without hesitation, Tony rushed to the fight and evacuated a wounded servicemember from the scene, undoubtedly saving their life. From his actions that day and others, Tony has been honored for exceptional gallantry in repeatedly putting himself in harm's way to assist in countering multiple insurgent threats, helping to save lives at the risk of his own. On December 17, 2015, Ray was serving as a counter-IED expert in congruence with U.S. Special Forces and Afghan partners when they were ambushed by enemy fire. Without regard for his own life, Ray jumped to action and single-handedly fended off the insurgent onslaught, allowing the recovery force to approach the scene with little resistance.…
