Medal of Honor hero talks training, choices to Soldiers

By Marie Berberea

FORT SILL, Okla. (USASOC News Service, Jan. 20, 2012) - Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry's fate was stitched together by Army training, a pre-determined plan, and a pineapple grenade.

He came to Fort Sill Jan. 12 to share his story with Soldiers as the second living, active-duty service member to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

On May 26, 2008, Petry was serving in the 2nd Platoon, D Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, as they performed an unusual daytime mission to get a high value target in Afghanistan's Paktia province.

He was shot through both of his legs and was taking cover with two other Soldiers when an enemy grenade landed nearby.

Petry had thought about what he would do if faced with this situation before, and it was this thought process that turned into action.

Ranger medic named USASOC Medic of the Year

FORT BENNING, Ga.  (USASOC News Service, Jan. 9, 2012) – Courage, bravery, and compassion are all characteristics of an Army combat medic. This year’s U.S. Army Special Operations Command Medic of the Year takes these traits to a whole new level.

For his display of tactical knowledge, rapid decision making capabilities and casualty management skills portrayed in his battlefield care, Staff Sgt. Roberto A. Sevilla of 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment has been named the USASOC Medic of the Year.

“It’s an honor to be recognized, but I wish this award could be shared with those that helped with the casualties such as the junior combat medics and the Ranger First Responders,” said Sevilla.

Spirit of fallen Ranger gives hope during the holidays

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Jan. 10, 2012) – On the day of his 30th birthday, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald A. Grider was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan leaving behind his wife, Brittany Grider, daughter Katie-Anne Grider. In the wake of this tragedy, hope rose from the ashes as Brittany made the move to establish a foundation to carry on the legacy of what her husband stood for. In memory of Ronald, Brittany founded The Aaron Grider Foundation, which donated presents to family from the United States Army Special Operations Command for the holidays.

USASOC Soldiers provides mentorship to football players

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (USASOC News Service, Jan. 10, 2012) – The stars did shine bright deep in the heart of Texas, Jan. 7, as some of the top high school football players in the country and some of the top Army Soldier Heroes teamed up for the 12th annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl in the Alamodome.

“They are the best of the best,” said Brig. Gen. Jefforey Smith, the task force commander for the event. “The best Soldiers and the best players in America – they are both well-trained.”

The bowl game showcased more than 90 high school football players and highly-decorated Soldiers. Five of those Soldiers came from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command: 1st Sgt. Michael Elmore of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne); Sgt. 1st Class Steve Kimsey of the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne); Sgt. 1st Class Robert Castaneda of the 3rd SFG (A); Staff Sgt. David Hutchings of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and Staff Sgt. Dylan Maynard of the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Army Ranger Cory Smith

Run Ranger Run

You can follow Cory Smith on Facebook as he makes his run home. You can help support Army Ranger Cory Smith on his run home and learn more about GallantFew.org here.

COLUMBUS, GA -

A Fort Benning soldier is heading home to Indiana and running all the way there.

Corporal Cory Smith has served four years in the Army and deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Now, as he is hanging up his uniform, he wants to raise awareness for the struggles facing veterans.

Smith is lacing up his running shoes and getting ready for a 565 mile cross country trip from Columbus to Indianapolis.  He says he has been training for months.

"I starting off running five miles a day.  The next thing you know, I went to 10 then to 15 and you know, I've just been just been trying to stay as physically fit as possible," said Smith.

On Tuesday, the Fort Benning Ranger is ending his four year service in the Army.  Then, he's running home to his 18 month old daughter Elleigh.

He hopes his journey also will bring awareness to the struggles facing veterans like homelessness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide.

Good Luck Ranger. RLTW