Ted Poe: “Army specialist and medic Monica Brown was on patrol in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan when a roadside bomb tore…”

“Army specialist and medic Monica Brown was on patrol in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan when a roadside bomb tore through a convoy of Humvees. As Humvees burned and shrapnel filled the air, Monica ran through insurgent gunfire and mortars to protect wounded comrades. With total disregard for her safety, she used her body to shield five injured soldiers as she administered aid and then dragged each of them 100 meters away to safety. Monica Brown is from Lake Jackson, Texas, and she's 19 years of age. A teenager, and yet she has already shown more courage, selflessness, and honor than many show in their entire lifetime. Amelia Earhart said, "Courage is the price that life requires for granting peace." This month Monica Brown will be awarded the Silver Star, the Nation's third highest medal for valor for that courage she showed. She is only the second woman since World War II to receive this medal. She said that she didn't think of anything except taking care of her fellow soldiers and protecting them from the attack. It was instinctive for her. We thank her for her service. She is a great Texan and a true American teenage idol. And that's just the way it is.”