Cindy Boykin

Capt. John “Jay” Brooks Bradley III was awarded the War Service Medal by the Sons of the American Revolution Plano Chapter for his wartime service. SAR’s Texas Society president, Tom Lawrence, arrived from Houston to present the prestigious award to Capt. Bradley and to extend thanks on behalf of a grateful nation.

Capt. Bradley, a Plano East High School graduate, Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal awardee, and current SAR member, has been deployed four times. He is currently stationed in Fort Hood and is awaiting a new assignment this summer. In 2003, he served in Fallujah, Iraq; supported Katrina Relief in New Orleans; spent 2007 in West Baghdad; and served in Mosul, Iraq, throughout 2009.

While serving in Iraq, fellow SAR members in Plano offered to send him items to help lighten his burden. But, as fellow member Dan Reed explained, “He didn’t ask for anything for himself. He asked that we send soccer balls and school supplies for the Iraqi children.”

Capt. Bradley said he wanted to provide these things to the children for two reasons. One, “they are innocent,” he said compassionately. “They don’t deserve what they are going through.” And secondly, “I want them to understand that people in America care about them. I want the legacy we leave in Iraq to be a positive one—especially with the children. The thoughts they have of us 20 years down the road will hopefully be positive.”

Capt. Bradley said he is very pleased with the progress made in Iraq, as the Iraqi army is taking charge and making strides to secure their country. He understands the next front in Afghanistan will be equally important and challenging in the coming year.