Share This Article
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday presented the Arkansas Medal of Freedom posthumously to Chief Petty Officer Adam Brown, a Hot Springs native and Navy SEAL killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010.
Sanders presented the medal to Brown’s family during a ceremony honoring his life and service at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. Brown’s wife, Kelley Brown; his mother, Janice Brown; and his daughter, Savannah Brown, accepted the medal on his behalf. State leaders and community members attended to recognize Brown’s legacy.
Brown grew up in Hot Springs and graduated from Lake Hamilton High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1998. After completing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, he went on to serve with SEAL Team Six, one of the military’s most elite special operations units.
On March 17, 2010, Brown was part of a mission in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province targeting a senior Taliban commander. During the operation, he volunteered to advance toward the enemy compound under heavy fire to protect his teammates and complete the mission. He was killed during the operation, which was ultimately successful.
Sanders established the Arkansas Medal of Freedom during her State of the State Address last year. The award recognizes Arkansans who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary courage, sacrifice and service to the state and their fellow citizens. Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl was named its inaugural recipient.
Brown is the second recipient of the award.
