Moments Often Left Unspoken: Glorious Deeds and Veteran's Day

by Michael Few

This Veteran's Day was special for me. It was my first real vacation in years. I surprised my girlfriend, Sarah, with a trip to Asheville for her birthday. As we drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the autumn churned a mixture of brown, orange, green, and yellow as the trees dropped their leaves in preparation for the coming winter- the cycle of life, death before the renewal of spring. Throughout the extended weekend, we hiked the mountains, rested along the French Broad River, and enjoyed a weekend surrounded in nature and partaking in rich foods- the seasoned lamb wrapped in grape leaves, the grilled marinated bison, the Asheville burrito, and the shrimp and grits. On Sunday, we attended church to give thanks for the blessings in our life, remember those that sacrificed so much for our nation, and pray that we could continue to devote our lives in a manner of something towards sacrifice and self-less service. Inevitably, we had to head back to the real world- her life as a journalist in a non-profit striving to provide social justice for the poor and my oath to uphold the Constitution and implement our Foreign Policy.

On this Sunday night back in Raleigh, before we could unwind with the nothingness of the "Amazing Race" (her choice) and "Family Guy" (my choice), we watched the 60 Minutes interview of Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, a soldier from the 173rd Airborne who will receive the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama tomorrow. It was a world that I thought that I had finally left behind. Back in 2007, deep inside the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan, SSG Giunta performed acts deemed uncommon valor and heroism,

"When an insurgent force ambush split Specialist Giunta's squad into two groups, he exposed himself to enemy fire to pull a comrade back to cover. Later, while engaging the enemy and attempting to link up with the rest of his squad, Specialist Giunta noticed two insurgents carrying away a fellow soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other, and provided medical aid to his wounded comrade while the rest of his squad caught up and provided security. His courage and leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon's ability [to] defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American paratrooper from enemy hands."

Maybe, it was just a moment. Maybe, it was just a reaction.

Regardless, in the most simplest of terms, Giunta is my hero. In the course of my time in combat, I've known dozens of Giunta's. In his own humbling demeanor, he is the perfect man to receive this award, and I hope that eventually he finds peace knowing that he is representing all the men and women that fought outside the lines, deep inside enemy territory, dismantling enemy safehavens, terrorist training camps, and denied areas. In the short term, SSG Giunta feels like a regular soldier doing his job. He is right. He did what so many would have done in his position.

Today, as I process the actions of this Medal of Honor Recipient, it brings back deep feelings and emotions of my own war. Four years ago, we attacked into an al Qaeda held territory known as Turki Village to dismantle a terrorist training camp and end the ethnic cleansing of Shia villagers. During our initial assault, CPT John Dennison was killed while leading his platoon. John Ryan Dennison, a 2004 graduate of the United States Military Academy, was a shining light in the Class of 2000 at Urbana High School in Frederick County, Maryland -- an excellent student, a football player, a wrestler. John is gone but not forgotten.

So, moving onwards, Salvatore, we are so proud of you for your service and actions. As you receive the Medal of Honor, please do so knowing men like John Ryan are smiling down on you from heaven. You represent all of us that served. God bless you and your family. Please don't take too much of this burden onto your soul. My mortar platoon once taught me that the Roman's once thought of it this way- Armis Exposcere Pacem- They Demanded Peace by Force of Arms. Perhaps in a distant time,in thoughtful prayer, our measures will prove to provide such a peace to our granchildren.

All the way, sir.

Major James Michael Few is an active duty Armor officer with various command and staff positions in multiple tours to Iraq. Currently, he is the Editor of Small Wars Journal.

My Notes: For a complete story on SSG Giunta's Medal of Honor, read the New York Times account of In One Moment in Afghanistan, Heroism and Heartbreak