FORT HOOD – The President and First Lady will honor a local soldier at the White House, Wednesday night.
Sergeant Sarah Adams has been tapped by the Sergeant Major of the Army to represent Fort Hood and her home state of Oregon at the White House's "A Nation's Gratitude" dinner.
"I'm surprised that I got chosen out of all the brave Americans who went over there and fought for our country," said Sgt. Adams.
President and Mrs. Obama will recognize the significant contributions of 68 servicemen and women who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and/or Operation New Dawn.
"I'm proud to be representing my home state of Oregon and this great place, Fort Hood, hope I do them proud," said Sgt. Adams.
Wednesday night will add to the honorable mentions Adams has already earned. She has been bestowed with more than half a dozen awards, including a Purple Heart and an ARCOM of Valor, during her two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. There, she served as a medic saving wounded warriors on the front lines.
"In July of 2007, I was hit by a 122 millimeter rocket; I then got up and treated a few soldiers."
Her commander, Captain William Messick, says it's those brave acts, and many others, that have earned her the honor.The criterion was pretty specific and she was able to meet those," said Capt. Messick.
Capt. Messick will be by Sgt. Adams side Wednesday and says he could not be more proud."I was pretty excited for her. I was definitely excited when I got a few calls from the sergeant major of the army's office wanting to talk to me about her nomination," said Capt. Messick.
Despite serving two tours and being a mother of two young boys, Sgt. Adams says she can already feel the butterflies. "I'm excited and nervous to meet the president, it's a big deal. I think more people are excited for me, like my mother. My kids think it's really neat," said Sgt. Adams.
