Soldier Salute- Justin Lampert Speaking

Bismarck, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven and N.D. National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk today presented the Soldier's Medal to Staff Sgt. Justin J. Lampert at a ceremony at the N.D. capitol grounds. Lampert earned the medal for his actions on July 6, 2007 when he subdued a gunman firing at patrons in the New York New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. "Justin Lampert embodies the heroism and selfless service indicative of the Nation's men and women in uniform," said Hoeven during the ceremony. "All North Dakotans can be proud of this great brave man and his life-saving actions." Lampert also earned a Bronze Star with "V" device for valor while serving in Iraq with the N.D. National Guard's 141st Engineer Battalion in 2004. "Justin Lampert is a true warrior", said Sprynczynatyk. "He acted quickly and without regard to his personal safety when tackling that gunman and is truly deserving of the Soldier's Medal. Today's ceremony is one small way to appropriately recognize him for his heroism." Attending the ceremony were Lampert's parents Carol and Dennis Lampert and other members of his family. Lampert currently serves as a squad leader with the Williston, N.D. based 818th Engineer Company (Sapper). His other awards include the Army Reserve Components Achievement, National Defense Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve and the Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Iraqi Campaign Medal. Lampert is Air Assault (honor graduate) and rappelmaster qualified. Lampert a native of Crosby, N.D. joined the N.D. Army National Guard in 2000.