FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — In August 2022, Fort Cavazos soldier Captain Steven Drayton was getting a haircut off-post at Family Barber in Killeen, when a gunman walked in.
That day, Drayton became a hero, disarming and subduing the gunman, protecting the others in the shop, including Drayton's own son.
"That was the big thing, is we were sitting there and I'm watching not only him, but there were 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, kids that were getting ready to go back to school, and that's the thing that hit me," Drayton told 6 News. "'Hey, these kids are young, they are doing nothing wrong' and it was my job that day to make sure that they get to continue to be able to live life."
On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, an award ceremony was held on Fort Cavazos to honor Drayton's bravery, presenting him with the Soldier's Medal, the U.S. Army's highest award for valor in a non-combat situation.
Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard is Drayton's Battalion Commander, and was in attendance at the ceremony to thank Drayton for his actions.
"This is the beauty of being able to serve in the military, in the Army Reserve, and to be surrounded by great Americans like Steven once again who embody what it means to lead and to lead selflessly, not only while in uniform, but in their civilian life," Gabbard said. "What a tremendous asset to our communities and to our country."
Drayton said when confronted by danger, his military training took over.
"I said 'I know what to do, I have been trained for this,'" Drayton told 6 News. "This is not my first time, just make sure I remain in control and that he had no other choice. He was going to be subdued. He's not getting back up."
Drayton's family was at the ceremony to celebrate his award, along with many soldiers from Fort Cavazos.
The Army Soldier's Medal was established in 1926 and is the highest honor a soldier can receive for heroism in a non-combat setting.
"It shows what it means to be a good citizen of this country and putting the well being of other before yourself," said Gabbard.
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