Military Wife, Military Life

BURBANK WOMAN WRITES TO THE TROOPS - SINCE 1944

U.S. MILITARY HEROES HONORED IN CHICAGO

CHICAGO HOSTS THE MEDAL OF HONOR CONVENTION THIS WEEK

A Medal of Honor is exceptional.

First of all, it is our nation's highest military award presented for valor in combat. 

Exceptional for this reason.  Just consider the numbers.

About 42 million Americans have served our country.  Only 3,447 have received the Medal of Honor, and most of them died during their last heroic act.

The Medal of Honor "stands above all others and is emblematic of America's ideals of courage, sacrifice and patriotism," said Col. Robert Howard, Medal of Honor recipient and president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

"This year's convention in Chicago is an opportunity to honor these heroes while providing a better understanding to all citizens about the importance of service over self," he said.

Today, there are less than 100 living Medal of Honor recipients.  They will gather in Chicago this week to share their experiences and lessons with the rest of us.

Their 5-day convention begins on Tuesday, September 15th, with an opening ceremony at Soldier Field.  It starts at 1 p.m.  It is free and open to the public.  Mayor Richard Daley will host the ceremony.  The Golden Knights parachute team will jump, and a 19-gun salute will be performed by the Illinois National Guard.

For a full schedule, please check out the convention website.

MEDAL OF HONOR CONVENTION 2009

I also hope you take a minute to look at the Q & A session with Al Lynch, a Medal of Honor recipient.  It is on this blog.

And last, I have the honor of interviewing Medal of Honor recipient Gary Littrell on ABC 7 News Sunday Morning.  Retired Air Force General John Borling will also join us to talk about the upcoming week.  Our interview is scheduled to air on Sunday, September 13th, during our 8 a.m. newscast.

I hope you read the blog or tune-in Sunday morning. 

I look forward to the week ahead!

 

 

 

 

Q & A WITH MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT AL LYNCH

 

Army Sgt. Al Lynch earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on December 15th, 1967, in the village of My An, Vietnam.  While his unit was heavily engaged with a superior enemy force, Sgt. Lynch observed three wounded comrades exposed to enemy fire.   He dashed across 50 meters of open ground, exposing himself to enemy fire, to administer aid to his fellow soldiers.  He carried the wounded men to safety.  When his company was forced to withdraw, he stayed behind with the wounded soldiers. Alone, he defended their position for two hours. After participating in a successful counterattack, he helped evacuate his wounded comrades and three casualties.

Lynch will be attending the Medal of Honor Convention in Chicago, which begins on Tuesday, September 15th. 

Q:  What do you remember most about December 15th, 1967?

A:  I don’t remember much, about the 15th as far as the details are concerned.  I remember a lot about being afraid.  I remember the incredible silence after the last bombing.

Q:  What did you tell yourself during those hours in combat?

A:  I wish I could make something up that sounds brave but we were just trying to stay alive.  We thought a lot about dying and keeping the enemy off our backs.

Q:  Where did you get your strength?  Your courage?

A:  I believe we are the sum total of everyone who has influenced us.  When I went out on the 15th, everyone of those who influenced me went with me. They gave me the strength and courage to do what I had to do. What makes all of us unique is our core values--those things we learn from our parents, grandparents, family members and so on.  When we are under stress, those values come out for good or for bad.

Q:  Do you keep in touch with any of your comrades from that day? Or their families?

A:  I haven’t seen any of those guys or their families.

Q:  What was your reaction when you heard you were a Medal of Honor recipient?

A:  I didn’t believe it nor for that matter did my family.  Being bullied throughout grade, Jr. High and High School, many in my family thought this was way out of character. I think one of the most hurtful things that happened was when my Uncle told me that no one believed me.

Q:  When did you receive the Medal of Honor?

A:  I received the Medal on Armed Forces Day 1970.

Q:  What do you remember most about that ceremony?

A:  Being in the White House and shaking hands with the President

Q:  How long have you been involved in the Medal of Honor Society?

A:  I have been involved since 1970

Q:  Have you been to a Medal of Honor Convention before?

A: Yes, several.

Q:  If so, what's the experience like?  What does it mean to you?

A: It is a wonderful experience, especially going to the schools and motivating the students.  I think the best part of the convention is the attention it brings to the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces.  When a city recognizes they recognize them.  There are so many men and women who served quietly and put themselves at risk with never a thank you. I believe the Conventions inspires everyone to recognize those sacrifices.

NOTE: As part of the Convention week, several Medal recipients will be doing outreach to local area schools on September 16.

Q:  Have you met any Iraq or Afghanistan war vets?

A: Yes, I have been able to meet several veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan

Q:  What do you tell them?

A: I don’t tell them much, I listen a lot though. What I do try to get across is to always do the right thing because whatever you do in combat you will live with the rest of your life.  There are some things we have to do to survive and accomplish the mission; however we must always be aware that we are not like our enemy--we are Americans and are held to a very high standard.

Q:  What's the most important point you would like to make?

A: Our country is free because every generation has kept it that way.  We are and ever will be only one generation away from losing our freedoms.  If the time comes when one generation fails to rise to the occasion our freedom is gone.  We must always be prepared to sacrifice ourselves to keep our country free.

Q:  What else would you like to add?

A:  FIRST TEAM!! SEMPER PARATUS!