Governor Sanders Awards the Arkansas Medal of Freedom

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today awarded the Arkansas Medal of Freedom, posthumously, to Arkansas Medal of Freedom to Chief Petty Officer Adam Brown, a Navy SEAL from Hot Springs who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010 while serving with SEAL Team Six.

Governor Sanders established the Arkansas Medal of Freedom during her State of the State Address last year and named Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl as its inaugural recipient. The award recognizes Arkansans who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service to the state and their fellow citizens.

The Governor presented the medal to Brown's family during a ceremony honoring his life, service, and sacrifice. Family members joined state leaders and members of the community to recognize Brown's legacy and the impact he continues to have across Arkansas.

Brown grew up in Hot Springs and graduated from Lake Hamilton High School before joining the U.S. Navy in 1998. After completing the Navy's rigorous Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, Brown went on to serve with SEAL Team Six, one of the most elite special operations units in the world.

On March 17, 2010, Brown was part of a mission in Afghanistan's Kunar Province targeting a senior Taliban commander. During the operation, he volunteered to advance toward the enemy compound under heavy fire in order to protect his teammates and complete the mission. Brown was killed in action during the operation. The mission was ultimately successful, thanks in large part to his bravery and selfless service during the operation.

Brown's courage and sacrifice serve as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication of those who defend our nation and the lasting legacy they leave behind.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders delivers remarks at the Arkansas Medal of Freedom ceremony honoring posthumous recipient Chief Petty Officer (SOC) Adam Brown at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion in Little Rock on Friday, March 6. Photo credit: Will Newton.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders presents the Arkansas Medal of Freedom to Kelley Brown, Janice Brown, and Savannah Brown, the wife, mother, and daughter of Chief Petty Officer (SOC) Adam Brown, at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion in Little Rock on Friday, March 6. Photo credit: Will Newton.
The Arkansas Medal of Freedom pictured at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion in Little Rock on Friday, March 6. Photo credit: Will Newton.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and First Gentleman Bryan Sanders with Kelley Brown, wife of Chief Petty Officer (SOC) at the Arkansas Medal of Freedom ceremony at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion in Little Rock on Friday, March 6. Photo credit: Will Newton.

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