WASHINGTON– Monuments and memorials are typically the main attraction in Washington, D.C. But, tourists on their way to the White House got more than they bargained for as two newcomers stole the show on Pennsylvania Avenue…

Capt. Stephen Betts Honored In Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — Honor, merit and courage. Those three attributes were put to the test on April 28, 2008, when Army Captain Stephen Betts and his fellow troops from the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division led a coalition offensive on an IED factory in Spearwangar, Afghanistan.

They successfully raided the facility, but as they were leaving, insurgent forces launched an assault on their convoy. “They hit us with a complex attack,” Betts recalled.

READ FULL STORY ON KIROTV.COM

In the hail of artillery and explosions, Betts lost his left leg and his right leg was completely shattered. Friday, the Seattle native was rewarded for his service, receiving the Purple Heart at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

SLIDESHOW: THE PURPLE HEART CEREMONY

“I’ve been very blessed with a warm welcome home,” Capt. Betts said, “I’m very honored.”

The Purple Heart dates back to the Revolutionary War and is presented to all members of the military who are wounded or killed in battle.

Betts was with his wife, Carla. “I’m very proud of my husband,” she said, adding that his two young sons are thrilled to have to have their dad back home. “They’re so excited!”

CAPTAIN BETTS TALKS ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE

Betts is continuing his rehab at Walter Reed, but hopes to visit Seattle soon. Incredibly, though, he has another destination on his mind.

“My goal is to return to duty. My goal is to get back to as strong as I was before. I want to go back.”

It lets me go pretty much everywhere and anywhere in the Capitol and the House and Senate office buildings.  Its novelty will wear off at some point, I’m sure.  But, until then I’m pretty proud of it.

Since this is my first post down here in D.C., I figured I might as well use an ultra cheesy photo of me in the element.

This pic was taken from the CNN-Newswatch Look-Live tower on I Street.  Aside from the fact that the wind whips around up there and makes it feel as though the awnings are about to come crashing down on you (notice how it gave me a not-made-for-TV hairdo?), you have to climb about 20 stairs to get up there.  And yes– they are open to the air, so I learned the hard way not to look around when making my ascent.  But, it was worth it…