Staff Sgt. Chad Malmberg was a student at Minnesota State University in 2006 when he was called up for deployment to Iraq. Malmberg was awarded the Silver Star for heroism stemming from a January 27, 2007, firefight in Iraq. It's the first time since World War II that a member of the Minnesota National Guard member has received this honor. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong / Associated Press