In his years at WJ, Florent Groberg demonstrated everything it meant to be a Wildcat. Just 11 years later, the retired U.S. Army Captain and WJ alumnus demonstrated everything it meant to be a hero.

Groberg, a 2001 WJ graduate and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, was presented with the NCAA Award of Valor at the NCAA Honors Celebration on January 18 at the Gaylord Opry Resort and Convention Center in Nashville.

University of Maryland, College Park Athletic Director Kevin Anderson presented the award to Captain Groberg. The Award of Valor is given to a student-athlete, coach or administrator who, when confronted with a situation involving personal danger, averted or minimized potential disaster by courageous action. The award is not presented annually, but in the event of an outstanding act of valor.

“We are thrilled that Flo [received] such a distinguished honor. He exemplifies the principles of courage and selflessness that we all strive to embody. We hope that all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff can find inspiration from his heroic actions,” Anderson said in an interview with Maryland Athletics.

Groberg was a standout track athlete at WJ, and attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he competed in track and cross country. UMD made Groberg a key member of their track team.

“Flo was viewed as a relentless worker by many of his teammates and coaches,” the university said on its website. “Some of his best performances came in relay settings when he was determined to perform for his teammates.”

In May 2006, Groberg graduated from UMD with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice. Two years later, he enlisted in the army.

Captain Groberg received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Afghanistan from President Obama on November 12, 2015. The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor a United States serviceman can receive. The Medal of Honor is awarded to military personnel for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. Groberg is the tenth living recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan and the second-ever recipient from Montgomery County.

Groberg displayed courage in battle while running toward a suicide bomber, pushing him away from the rest of his security detachment while deployed in Afghanistan in August 2012. Four people lost their lives, but 24 other men had their lives spared by Groberg’s actions.

“On his very worst day, he managed to summon his very best. That’s the nature of courage — not being unafraid, but confronting fear and danger and performing in a selfless fashion,” Obama said when he presented Groberg with the Medal of Honor. “He showed his guts, he showed his training; how he would put it all on the line for his teammates. That’s an American we can all be grateful for.”

Since recovering from injuries sustained in his act of heroism, Groberg remains committed to serving the country. He has dedicated himself to helping other veterans as they move home, transitioning into new lives and finding new careers.

Since speaking at last year’s inauguration, the Bethesda native has been touring the country since receiving the Medal of Honor, which has included an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and throwing out the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs baseball game. Groberg also spoke at the Democratic National Convention in August.