(KCEN) -- Retired veterans turned state troopers received an honor of their own today.
Forty-two men and women were presented with the Veterans National Defense Medal today at MCC in Waco.
The award is given to men and woman who served in combat duties in any branch of the military.
Today's recipients are all retired veterans who decided to join the Texas State Troopers.
Trooper DL Wilson says the department makes it a point to recruit soldiers retiring from the military, calling them citizen soldiers.
Wilson said, "We're very proud of our veterans and men and women serving our countries armed forces."
Trooper Wilson says the department plans to make the awards ceremony an annual event.
