On Wednesday, February 12, from 10-11:30 a.m., The Ronald Reagan Foundation hosted their annual event, the Medal Of Honor Forum. This prestigious event honors Medal Of Honor recipients by conducting an interview and questionnaire to better understand their impeccable leadership and honorary work they have done for the U.S. military and country. This years recipients were Spc. 5 Dwight Birdwell and Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha, welcomed by Director of Education and Learning of the Reagan Foundation.
This presentation began with an introduction by Director of Reagan Foundation, Richard Shroeder, as he interacted with an audience to create a heartfelt welcome for the speakers. This year’s Medal of Honor recipients came from honorable backgrounds, fought for the U.S. while willing to risk their life so every citizen can sleep peacefully. Birdwell received his medal in 2022 for his valiant efforts in the Vietnam War. Romesha was set to receive his medal in 2009 for his bravery in the War On Terrorism in Afghanistan.
When asked about how it was to manage fear throughout their experience, Birdwell shared, “I had to realize that if I did not manage my fear, my unit would have been gone.” Moreover, Romesha stated, “It was understanding to do little things at a time, putting one foot in front of the other, and if you have fear, you will not know the beauty of life.” This shows how despite fear, they both learned the importance of fighting it, and how fear would have held them back from doing the greater good.
Furthermore, Romesha shared his insights behind his experience in the War On Terrorism, and stated, “The reality of combat is that understanding that we will all go [to fight], but we won’t make it back alive.” His experiences really fostered a solemn environment amongst the entire crowd, mourning those whose lives have been lost for the betterment of the U.S. Romesha also shared, “The discipline of failure is one of the greatest things you’ll learn in life,” showing how much failure and discipline shaped him into the great man he is today.
The presentation ended with a questionnaire from all the students in the crowd to the speakers, leading to students of all age groups understanding more about the honorable work both the recipients accomplished. Soon the schools were dismissed, and everyone from the highlander AP United States History class and AFJROTC left with a smile and a full heart of pride for those who fight for our country.
