Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesWell this award was absolutely well-deserved!
When Halle Berry stepped onto the stage Wednesday night at the 2015 ESPY Awards, the actress knew this night wasn't going to be about her. Instead, it was the perfect time to honor another exceptional woman.
That special someone was basketball star and army veteran Danielle Green who was on-hand to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
Born and raised in Chicago, Green revealed in a pre-taped video that her childhood was far from perfect. But after developing a love for basketball at eight years old, the 38-year-old went on to obtain a full scholarship at Notre Dame and later enlisted in the Army.
While serving her country, Green's arm was severely injured and ultimately had to be amputated.
"I also lost my wedding rings," Green shared in her emotional speech. "That may seem like a small footnote but not to my comrades."
Her partners would ultimately find her rings after searching through sand for hours. Green would be reunited with them in her hospital room.
"I will never forget that feeling that people cared about me so much that they would risk their own lives for me," she shared. "The idea that people carrying for one another is still at the core of my life."
Green ultimate decided to go back to school where she received a Masters in counseling. Today, she helps other military veterans in need of a variety of services.
"If my story leaves you with one thing tonight, I hope it leaves you with a challenge," she shared. "Ask yourself: What's my purpose? What's my passion? What do I want my legacy to be? How can I live as a full human being?"
She added, "We can all find ways to support the people around us. We can all find a purpose on this Earth larger than yourself."