The stars of Supernatural, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, received high honors from Special Forces at Creation Entertainment's Salute to Supernatural last weekend. The convention, which also covered Buffy and Smallville, took place in Schaumburg, IL, November 9-11, 2007. According to a Creation Entertainment-approved press release from fans of the show, numerous convention reports, and videos taken of the event, on Veteran's Day, Master Sargeant Kevin Wise presented Jared Padalecki (who plays Sam Winchester) and Jensen Ackles (who plays Dean Winchester) with a letter from General David H. Petraeus, Commander of the Multi-National Force in Iraq.

He also presented them with an honorary Special Forces coin from his unit. There are five Special Forces Groups, each with its own unique coin. Civilians rarely receive coins; they are usually only given to Green Berets. Wise's unit is called "Team Texas." Both actors are originally from that state. Wise said that Supernatural is the most requested DVD among troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc, and Kripke Entertainment, Inc. are sending 3,000 copies of the DVD's to troops overseas. 

In the letter, General Petraeus stated: "Every day in Iraq and Afghanistan our service members are constantly in harm's way. At any moment they can be severely injured or even killed. They are constantly under pressure and stress. For that short time when they can sit, relax and watch a television show, Supernatural, gives each of them the opportunity to forget about the constant pressure and stress they deal with on a daily basis. Our favorite television shows remind us of family, friends, and home. I would like to thank the entire cast and crew that makes Supernatural one of the most popular shows among our service members. On behalf of every military service member who is deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and worldwide, I would like to express my gratitude for your continuing support of all of our military service members. Best of luck in your future endeavors."

In turn, the actors presented Master Sargeant Wise with one of director Kim Manners' shooting scripts, signed by various members of the cast and crew.

By all reports, both the actors and Master Sargeant Wise were deeply moved.

Additional source: _sin_attract's Creation Con videos