you. one of those soldiers is specialist braden cook, who is with us today. where's braden? oh, good location, braden. last october his team came under heavy fire while cleaning and clearing, clearing them out, taliban strongholds in various locations in afghanistan. an afghan soldier fighting alongside u.s. troops was badly wounded when an explosive detonated nearby. specialist cook braved the hail of bullets and mortar rounds all over. they said it was all over. it was heavy fire, saving the life of that wounded soldier and earning a bronze star for valor for his courageous action. braden, i want to thank you, brave young man. thank you. please stand up again, braden.