SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Gov. Gary R. Herbert will present the Utah Medal of Valor to Sgt. Chasen Brown, a service member of the Utah National Guard, in the Gold Room at the Utah State Capitol on Sept 1, 2020 at 3:30 p.m.
Brown, a gunner for Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery, was attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada on Oct. 1, 2017. Shortly after the concert started, a man starting shooting indiscriminately at the massive crowd. Without hesitation or regard to personal safety, Brown immediately started to render aide to the wounded personnel while under constant gunfire. His actions on that tragic day, also known as one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States, saved the lives of a half a dozen fellow concertgoers.
“Chasen’s heroic actions on that tragic day remind me of what I am most proud of regarding our Guard members—that they serve selflessly and bravely in the defense of our nation and its citizens,” said Col. Steve Fairbourn, commander, 65th Field Artillery Brigade. “This dedication isn’t limited to when they are deployed, but rather is just a part of their character.”
The Utah Medal of Valor is the highest state award that a Utah National Guard military member can receive. It is awarded only to those who have demonstrated extreme valor. The Utah Medal of Valor may be awarded to a member of the Utah National Guard who distinguishes themselves by courageous conduct at the risk of their own life and personal safety, above and beyond the call of duty, while in the service of the state of Utah or the United States of America and its citizens.
Due to COVID-19, those attending will be limited to 15 people. A media pool will need to be conducted with only one videographer permitted to attend in the Gold Room and then share with all outlets. The event will be live streamed on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/utahnationalguard.
The Utah National Guard has nearly 7,500 Soldiers and Airmen who are dedicated to serving fellow citizens, the state of Utah, and the nation.
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Media Notes:
For more information, please contact Maj. Jaime Thomas, Utah National Guard Public Affairs Officer at (801) 716-9063. Due to the sensitive nature of this experience, Brown will not be available for interview, however, members of Brown’s chain of command will be available.
Facebook Live will be streamed from https://www.facebook.com/utahnationalguard and will begin approximately five minutes prior to the award ceremony.
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