Would you support the establishment of a Veteran's Medal?

The service members who distinguished themselves with great valor on a train in France should be awarded the Soldier's Medal. It is the only decoration available for valor performed outside a combat situation. However, a veteran receives no such military honor.

Of course politicians will jump at the chance at being photographed with a hero and I expect that Chris Mintz will receive their attention for rushing unarmed against the shooter in Oregon. Sadly, Mintz will be mere window dressing for the politicians' aggrandizement.

We need to make heroes like Army veteran Chris Mintz the focal point of the attention. Think about it. He not only brought great honor upon himself, but also all service members, active duty, retired, and otherwise honorably discharged.

I don't expect Congress or the Department of Defense to initiate this award, and I wouldn't trust the Department of Veterans Affairs with anything. No, it's up to us, We Who Serve and Have Served to take the initiative.

I plan on raising a motion at the next meetings of my American Legion and VFW posts to initiate a recommendation to be sent to their respective district, state, and national organizations to campaign for this award. I see no reason why it would have to be left to the politicians who would only want to usurp the glory for themselves.

Would you do the same?

http://abcnews.go.com/US/hero-umpqua-community-college-student-chris-mintz-speaks/story?id=34201425