Fallen Airman's family accepts medal for a hero

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" MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) -- Karen Hollon accepted the posthumous Airman's Medal on behalf of her husband Tech. Sgt. Steven A. Hollon during a ceremony, here April 23.

The award presented by Air University Commander Lt. Gen. David Fadok was received for actions including voluntary risk of life under circumstances other than conflict when an EF-3 tornado hit the town of Prattville, Ala., April 15, 2011.

The Prattville native was staying with family in the area while on terminal leave when the family was tragically awakened by the deafening sound of the 150 mile-per-hour storm approaching the house.

With only minutes warning the family rushed for cover from the powerful destruction that would claim the lives of Hollon, his father, Willard, and sister, Cheryl Hollon.

According to the medal citation, knowing that the family home was being ripped apart, the twenty-two year Air Force veteran and aircraft maintainer without regard to his own safety rushed to protect his youngest daughter, Faith Hollon.

The Desert Storm veteran used his body to shield the 9-year-old as the walls of the home crashed down around them. "
 
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