One of Butler’s own received the first of a newly implemented medal presented Tuesday in Iraq by U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter.

Carter presented the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon Eckstein, a Butler High School graduate whose family lives in Butler.

“It felt truly amazing to be honored with this medal and having it pinned on by the Secretary of Defense left me speechless,” Eckstein said via Facebook messaging.

The medal was created March 30 through executive order by President Barack Obama, and it is awarded to military members fighting ISIS. The medals conditions include anyone who is serving or has served in Iraq, Syria or contiguous water or airspace on or after June 15, 2014.

Eckstein’s new medal, engraved upon bronze, features a scorpion impaled by a dagger, which is held by an armored hand. He said the occasion was a once in a lifetime experience.

“Being the first person to receive something like this is unforgettable and my life will be forever changed by the experience,” he said.

He also said he has his fellow veterans to thank for the opportunity, and he feels grateful that he is only the beginning of a long process of recognition.

“I may have been the first person to have pinned on this medal, but most certainly not the first person to have earned the right to wear it,” he said.

His brother, Jesse Eckstein of Butler said he was ecstatic about the news and is glad his brother is receiving recognition for his service. He said he wasn’t expecting Brandon to be the first.

“He’s pretty much devoted his life to the military,” he said. “I could not possibly be any more proud of him.”

Jesse Eckstein said his brother has given Butler County residents who support their veterans even more reason to cheer.

“To have somebody so close to home be the first one, that’s great for everyone,” he said.

Brandon Eckstein has served during the past six years. After completing basic training, he spent four years at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

During that time, Brandon was deployed for six months. After returning, he was restationed in Guam, which then led to this deployment. He has been away for six months.

Richard Eckstein, Brandon’s father, said he isn’t sure when his son will return from deployment, but he knows he will be there with a proud smile when he does.

“It’s totally incredible,” he said. “I just wish I could have been there with him.”

Richard Eckstein said Brandon has always been passionate about the military. He said Brandon joined the Junior ROTC program at Butler High School in his sophomore year, and he was committed from that time on.

“He’s always been into the military, and he’s very proud of the uniform,” his father said.

He said his son surprised him with the second deployment. He said Brandon took the place of someone else who already had been selected to deploy, offering to go instead.

“He stepped up to the plate, so the other guy could see his wife and child.” he said. “He’s really matured.”

Richard Eckstein said that although he is proud his son received his medal, he knows other veterans deserved that same respect. He said he is grateful to all veterans, including his son, who he can’t wait to see again.

“I want what every other parent wants,” he said. “For his child to come home.”

Jesse Eckstein said when Brandon is home, he likes to fish and bowl. He said his brother tries to spend as much time as he can with family and friends because going back to work is inevitable.

But at least now the brothers will have another topic to discuss the next time Brandon visits.

Jesse Eckstein said they also can discuss the significance of it all.

“I’m just glad they’re finally being recognized,’ Jesse Eckstein said. “For those that have been lost and for those that come back.”

Brandon said he is excited to return home.

“To my friends and family of Butler, Pennsylvania, thank you for all your love and support over the years I’ve been in the Air Force. Can’t wait to see you, and I love you all very much,” he said.