Local Soldier awarded Medal of Valor

On Nov. 12, four outstanding soldiers received the Medal of Valor. These soldiers are Maj. Graham Bundy, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Oliveira, Staff Sergeant Erin Gibson and Sergeant Robert Wengeler. They earned Army Commendation Medals for valor for their actions in the Tagab valley. These dedicated combat medics and pilots exhibited bravery and defined the epitome of “never leaving a fallen comrade” by deliberately flying into a known landing zone that was actively receiving enemy fire.

Rob Wengeler is the son of Irene Wengeler of Ritzville. He is serving his third Tour of Duty to Afganistan at Bagram Airfield Afghanistan.