INDIANAPOLIS – Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Brown, senior enlisted adviser of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, was awarded the Legion of Merit in a ceremony at the Indiana University Health Cancer Pavilion May 12.
The award represented his 20 years of above and beyond service keeping the state and nation safe.
Traditionally, once the order is published and the medal securely pinned, the ceremony would have come to a close. But during this ceremony, Brown called the room to attention and then removed the award from his chest.
” I feel comfortable being pushed up against the ropes of being a father, son and Soldier because, ultimately, my baseline begins here as a cancer patient,” said Brown. “I went from being in this hospital to being a new Soldier focusing on a way that I could give back because of the leadership I witnessed here.”
Brown discussed the tenets of leadership he witnessed as a young man in the hospital. Character, courage and capability were absolutely provided here, he said.
Those attending the ceremony included Dr. Lawrence H. Einhorn and nurse Jackie Brames, who treated Brown 24 years ago when he fought and won the battle against testicular cancer.
“I spent my entire adult life trying to earn and deserve what you gave me,” Brown said to Einhorn.
In conclusion, Brown asked Einhorn to stand at attention, and Brown placed the Legion of Merit on Einhorn’s shirt while the two exchanged private words. As Brames stood alongside the doctor, Brown presented her with a lapel pin in recognition of her positive influence and hard work.
“Josh, you have made this count. Holy cow, what you have done as a Soldier and human being is truly remarkable,” Einhorn said. “This is probably the highest honor I have had in my life, and I’ve had a few honors. This means so much coming from you.”
The Legion of Merit is a military award of the U.S. armed forces given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.
Brown’s long-time friend and mentor, Brig. Gen. Justin L. Mann, director of joint staff, presided over the ceremony.
“It is an honor and humbling opportunity to present this award to such a deserving teammate of our organization,” said Mann, who at one time was Brown’s commander.