A soldier here in the Valley was recognized for his outstanding service to his country and his fellow man.

It was a day to salute an American hero. Master sergeant Paul Wetnight was promoted for his outstanding service in the military and awarded for helping strangers in need.

"Here's a guy who just selflessly serves his nation and his state in this case," said Col. Ivan Denton.

It all started in Iraq where Wetnight was deployed. After hearing his daughter was in a serious car accident, he came home to be by her side.

After her recovery and while on leave, he and his wife traveled to Story, Indiana for a quiet get away.

But a severe storm dropped a large amount of rain, causing the hotel they were staying at to flood.

Wetnight said, "We were just trying to be god neighbors and that's what it's all about, helping people right?"

Seeing people in need, Wetnight and his wife knew they had to help. They stayed and worked tirelessly to help those affected by the floods.

"I wish more people would just help and not have to be asked," said Wetnight.

For his selfless act of kindness, we was recognized in Terre Haute Saturday and awarded the Indiana Commendation Metal.

Wetnight says his military background, along with a Christian upbringing, makes it natural for him to want to help those in need.

Wetnight said, "Once you get together like that and call yourselves a family, that's where it all begins man,"

The brave soldier said serving in Iraq, and at home, is hard on families and feels blessed to have a supportive wife and kids. He said, "You take an oath once you're in the military and once you marry, your wife is in that same oath."