Medal of Honor recipients share stories of inspiration to Airmen

by Tech. Sgt. Steve Staedler

For Staff Sgt. Shafinah Rosauro, it was learning their stories of true heroism that was moving to her.

Staff Sgt. Shafinah Rosauro, 379th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron, chats with Medal of Honor recipient Marine Corps Capt. John McGinty during an assembly Friday at a base in Southwest Asia.

For Tech. Sgt. Theresa Petelo, it was their message of assurance that people back home are supporting her.

For Col. Kurt Kaisler, it was hearing their commitment to service and country that was inspiring to him.

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

Army Col. Robert Howard, Marine Corps Capt. John McGinty and Army Command Sergeant Major Gary Littrell, all retired, shared their messages of hope and patriotism to nearly 200 379th Mission Support Group Airmen Friday morning 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.

379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Airmen Senior Airman Justin Whited and Staff Sgt. Jennifer Sherman inspect a Medal of Honor. The two Airmen listened to Metal of Honor recipients Army Col. Robert Howard, Marine Corps Capt. John McGinty and Army Command Sergeant Major Gary Littrell, all retired, share their messages of hope and patriotism at an assembly Friday at a base in Southwest Asia.

"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 message 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."

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