Ret. U.S. Air Force Sgt. Mary Matilda Lange of Wylie was among the veterans honored in a ceremony hosted by U.S. Rep Keith Self. Maddie Smith/The Wylie News

Twenty-five veterans have received Congressional Veterans Commendations in a ceremony hosted by U.S. Rep, Keith Self.

“Celebrating these men and women is a powerful tribute to their service and a reminder of their vital role in protecting the freedoms we cherish as Americans,” Self said in announcing the honorees from the 3rd Congressional District. 

Among those recognized in the Monday, Nov. 11, ceremony at Collin College in McKinney were U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brandon Paul Hern of Sachse, U.S. Air Force Sgt. Mary Matilda Lange of Wylie and 1st Lt. Bryan Sylvester of Allen.

Hern was nominated by retired Capt. Allen B. Clark.

Hern enlisted in the Army Reserve as a citizen soldier while attending Oregon State University, where he stood out on their wrestling team. He was called to active duty in 2003 for a 21-month tour of duty in Iraq, earning a Bronze Star during the Battle of Najaf in 2004 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. 

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