Included in the awards and decorations the now-sergeant deceptively wore were the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon and Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

The award certificate notes that during that time the unit "displayed (exceptionally) meritorious service in support of global cyberspace operations.

On Saturday, Fort Smith's 188th Air National Guard became one of 8 units nationwide to receive the "Meritorious unit award" honor.The award is in recognition of "Operation Freedom's Sentinel" in ...