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

2015-10-02T14:03:29-04:00

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

'Hero' Umpqua Student Speaks After Being Shot 7 Times

The student and Army veteran who witnesses say charged the shooter at a community college in Oregon is alert and awake at the hospital as he recovers.Chris Mintz, 30, was shot seven times during the Thursday rampage, but he says his main concern is about the others who were injured."I just hope...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 2:05 PM

2015-10-02T14:05:59-04:00

You got my vote!

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 2 at 2015 2:06 PM

2015-10-02T14:06:06-04:00

CPT Jack Durish - I certainly think it would be a great idea.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Oct 2 at 2015 2:08 PM

2015-10-02T14:08:27-04:00

CPT Jack Durish It is a great idea for a post service award.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Oct 2 at 2015 2:09 PM

2015-10-02T14:09:13-04:00

There are already Federal medals for civilians who distinguish themselves. I am not convinced that being a veteran and taking such action deserves a separate medal, but I could be wrong...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 2:10 PM

2015-10-02T14:10:30-04:00

There are civilian medals/awards that can be awarded. I don't think we need to make any additional ones to be honest.

I understand where you're coming from, but I don't think it is necessary.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 2 at 2015 2:17 PM

2015-10-02T14:17:38-04:00

Sir,
I agree 100% with the Spirit & Intent of your post, however I would like to make a counter-proposal.

Rather than view Chris Mintz as a Veteran. Why don't we view him as what he is. He IS a Service Member. He IS a Soldier. He will continue to be so for the remainder of his life. Why do we need an additional medal, when the Soldier's Medal IS the correct medal for what he did.

We need to stop with the divide. We need to stop "Separating from the Service" and realize we never leave it. He didn't drop his pack. He was just on the Inactive Inactive Inactive ...... Reserve until America needed him, and should be recognized as such.

Response by SGT Jaime Becerra made Oct 2 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-10-02T15:10:16-04:00

once a VET always a VET and that training and duty always stays with you, so i would ABSOLUTELY support this idea and it should be a veterans medal and not a civillian medal or recognition.
airtaz

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 2 at 2015 3:48 PM

2015-10-02T15:48:49-04:00

I am going to be honest, I don't agree with your comment that Soldiers Medal is the only award as it wasn't combat. Lets look at the GWOTSM: The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOT-S) is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 on March 12, 2003 by President George W. Bush. The award recognizes those military service members who have performed service in the War on Terror from September 11, 2001, to a date yet to be determined. Here we have an award that is specifically prescribed for a war against...terrorism, and what did our intrepid trio fight? Terrorism. Did not one of the service men get a Purple Heart, can't get a purple heart for peacetime now can you? So how can these two service members get Soldier & Airman's medals respectively? I argue they should not as the award criteria is not met. As we have a Congressionally approved Authorization for Use of Military Force against Terrorism:

To authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against those responsible for the recent attacks launched against the United States.
Whereas, on September 11, 2001, acts of treacherous violence were committed against the United States and its citizens; and
Whereas, such acts render it both necessary and appropriate that the United States exercise its rights to self-defense and to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad; and

Were they defending themselves and other Americans against terrorism abroad? Yes

Should they have been given higher awards, IMHO, YES

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Oct 2 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-10-02T16:06:36-04:00

I would be opposed to a Veteran's Medal for the simple fact that it will only make the Veterans a magnate for politicians and glory hounds; as a veteran I have done deeds and disappeared afterwards and would decline an award because it comes with a price.

Response by SSgt Tim Brock made Oct 2 at 2015 4:15 PM

2015-10-02T16:15:19-04:00

Absolutely Jack. You are right on point. I'm on the east coast. I would be glad to help this effort from here. Let me know as this plan developes.

Thank you for leading,
Tim

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 6:10 PM

2015-10-02T18:10:47-04:00

Veterans like these DO deserve recognition AND Comendation/Decoration for sure!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 8:05 AM

2015-10-03T08:05:58-04:00

Skarlatos was awarded the Soldier’s Medal in mid September at the White House.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Oct 6 at 2015 8:41 AM

2015-10-06T08:41:44-04:00

Most veterans don't want "recognition" for doing what any decent human being would do so no I don't support it.

Response by SPC Mathew Brady made Oct 9 at 2015 6:34 PM

2015-10-09T18:34:43-04:00

I always saw my medals and decorations as nothing but promotion points. I'm kind of torn on the matter. Where do you draw the line? I mean guys get AAM's for the dumbest things in the army. I always enjoyed coin checking each other more than what medals/awards were on my chest to be honest.

Response by SGT Ron Parrish made Dec 25 at 2018 9:55 PM

2018-12-25T21:55:21-05:00

Once a soldier, always a soldier.

Response by SGT James Murphy made May 11 at 2019 12:26 PM

2019-05-11T12:26:41-04:00

Don't we already have the Medal of Freedom?

Response by SSgt Patricia Bandy made May 11 at 2019 1:52 PM

2019-05-11T13:52:17-04:00

Bot above what we already have. Medals should be based upon our service, not the act of leaving service.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made May 12 at 2019 9:10 AM

2019-05-12T09:10:41-04:00

My Grandpa who fought in every major conflict in Europe has nine ribbons! Enough with the medals and ribbons just my opinion