U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Town and Country, presided this weekend at an Air National Guard ceremony to award Bronze Stars to two locals --Colonel Paul Blanzy and Chief Master Sergeant Jack Kuykendall -- who had served 6 months as combatant engineers in Afghanistan.

  In his remarks, Akin contrasted the goal of terrorists to force people to act a certain way, to that of the U.S. military, which he said is committed to "protecting God-given rights."

A spokesman expanded on the remarks today, saying that Akin's point was that terrorism "demeans life,'' while the U.S. military is seeking to protect it.

The ceremony was Saturday at Lambert Air National Guard Base. A spokesman for Akin said the congressman had been asked by the Air National Guard to participate and "he was happy to do it."

Akin has had three children attend military academies and serve in the Marines.  He often focuses on military issues, and has emphasized his support for the Boeing Co.'s planes produced in the St. Louis area.

However, a spokesman noted that Akin is becoming increasingly outspoken on the healthcare front, and opposes most of the proposals now before Congress to expand government involvement.

Here's Akin presiding at an hour-long floor discussion of the GOP's views of the Democratic leaders' latest proposed healthcare changes.