Medal of Honor recipients share stories of inspiration

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steve Staedler
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  For Staff Sgt. Shafinah Rosauro, learning stories of true heroism moved her.

For Tech. Sgt. Theresa Petelo, it was the message of assurance that people back home support her.

For Col. Kurt Kaisler, hearing themes of commitment to service and country inspired him.

Listening to Medal of Honor recipients tends to do that to people.

Army Col. Robert Howard, Marine Capt. John McGinty and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, all retired, shared their messages of hope and patriotism to nearly 200 379th Mission Support Group Airmen Nov. 3 at the base gymnasium.

The most honored and sacred military decoration, the Medal of Honor was created back in 1861 to recognize extraordinary individual acts or heroism. More than 3,400 Medal of Honors have been presented. There are about 110 Medal of Honor recipients alive today.

Each recipient spoke for about 10 minutes, briefly telling stories of how they got to where they are today and their views on the war. All spoke highly of the efforts and commitments Airmen here are making toward winning the war and making a difference for life in the region.

"You love your country and you believe democracy is worth fighting for," Colonel Howard said. "What you're doing is an opportunity for other countries to survive. And doing that takes a commitment from each and every one of you. It's a privilege to be here with you."

"I'm just honored to meet these gentlemen," said Sergeant Petelo, 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron. "They've done a lot for our country and I appreciate them. But then they turned around and told us they appreciated us. That was really neat to hear from people who have sacrificed so much for us."

The mutual admiration between the two generations was evident as the trio took time to individually meet with everyone and exchange stories.

"What I enjoy most about coming over here is doing exactly what I'm doing right now," Sergeant Major Littrell said while signing autographs of his citation and saying hello to Airmen waiting to meet him.

Sergeant Major Littrell has been coming here with other Medal of Honor recipients the twice a year for the past few years. He said shaking hands and learning about this era's military heroes is what keeps him coming back.

"Hopefully we'll continue to come over until all the troops are home or all the enemy is dead -- or both," he said. "It's always good to be here with the troops. It makes us feel young again."

Colonel Kaisler, 379th EMSG commander, said he hoped his Airmen would be inspired by the recipients' stories of heroism, and strive for greatness in their military career. Their inspirational messages hit home with the colonel too.

"These guys are true American heroes," Colonel Kaisler said. "To hear Colonel Howard say he'd still be in today serving his country is inspiration that will help me go on."