A Marine from southwest Iowa is getting a top award but one of his top supporters won’t be there to see it. Union County native Brad Kasal will be receive one of the military’s highest honors today, the Navy Cross at ceremonies at Camp Pendleton in California. Kasal is also receiving the award for combat heroism in Iraq. In addition, Kasal will also be promoted to sergeant major.

Kasal’s father had hoped to see Brad receive his promotion and his award via live video conference, but died on Sunday of liver cancer. Brad Kasal is a 1984 graduate of East Union High School in Afton.