Sergeant First Class Dennis Murray of Red Boiling Springs was one of seven Tennesseans killed in action who were honored by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam, who joined Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder and Command Sergeant Major George Holland of the Tennessee Military Department.

Murray was killed by an improvised explosive device on November 21, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Murray has posthumously been awarded the Tennessee Fallen Heroes Medal. Wanda Maxey received the state’s memorial presentation on behalf of her son.

“Each and every Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman who gives his life for his state and his country deserves our respect, and we are grateful for their services and sacrifice,” Haslam said. “In honoring them, we should always remember these heroes left behind loved ones who deserve our support and compassion.”

“Members of the Armed Forces serve their state and country fully aware of the risk involved,” Grinder said. “As citizens we have a duty to publicly demonstrate our sorrow and gratitude to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedom.”

“It is indeed fitting that we take the time to recognize and remember these American heroes; these Tennesseans who were willing to leave their homes and families and make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms that we all enjoy,” Holland said.

The Tennessee Fallen Heroes Medal may be awarded on behalf of the people of the state of Tennessee to an individual serving on active duty who has been killed in action after July 1, 2011. Individuals eligible to receive the Tennessee Fallen Heroes Medal include active duty personnel who are legal residents of the state of Tennessee.