Maj. Dave John decided to join the U.S. Army 18 years ago because he wanted to serve his country in a unique way.

John, who recently spent seven months in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, was awarded a Bronze Star Medal last night at the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps award ceremony behind Old Main.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members of the Army who distinguish themselves in combat by performing heroically or achieving something of merit.

“It’s a very significant award,” said Brig. Gen. Charles Fleming, assistant adjutant general in the Army, who presented the award.

John, who recently became part of Eastern’s faculty, was eligible for the award because of his accomplishments during the time he spent in Afghanistan.

A member of the 5th Special Forces Group, John was on one of the first planes to arrive in Afghanistan after Sept. 11.

“It’s gut-wrenching, it really is…you learn a lot about yourself. What you can accomplish and endure…just how humble you really are,” John said.

As the anniversary of Sept. 11 approaches, John remembers how the event changed his life.

“I was in a dining facility when we saw the planes crash into the Twin Towers. Of course, at the time, we had no idea we would be the ones sent in first,” John said.

While in Afghanistan, John was in charge of converting an abandoned Russian air base into Operation Enduring Freedom’s first secure communications base.

“We went in with absolutely nothing and actually built up a compound from that. It’s the kind of stuff they train you for,” John said.

John hopes to bring his experiences and training to the ROTC cadets at Eastern.

“I thought it would give me a good life experience, I’m looking forward to what I can learn from (John),” said Christopher Stephens, marketing major and junior ROTC cadet.

Eastern cadets were also recognized at the ceremony for completing leadership camps and airborne schools over the summer.