A Reluctant Hero

I know this is a 'bike related' blog, and it's a bit of a goof. Some people come here and take it for what it's worth, while some completely over-react and get their panties scrunched. That's sort of the point, and the beauty of it.

What follows is a story that should be told and that everyone should know, both for the small picture, as well as the the much larger tapestry that is woven by the thousands of small pictures that are produced every day.

Sal Giunta is a 25 year old Army Staff Sergeant. He is alive and currently stationed in Italy. He is receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor today.

The following video tells SSgt. Giunta's story, but not all of it.

The Sal Giunta Story from Sebastian Junger on Vimeo.

In the time since this story was produced by Sebastian Junger, it has come to light that the entire Taliban operation against Giunta's platoon was an effort to capture an American soldier. Sal Giunta, and the rest of his team, raced into the unknown black of night, to ensure that Sgt. Joshua Brennan did not become a statistic and propaganda tool for the Taliban. They ran headlong into a hail of bullets to bring their friend back. Would you do the same?

I know we joke around, and thump our collective chest about what badasses we may, or may not be, but Sal Giunta, and the rest of the guys who are currently on the ground in "The 'Stan" are truly badass, and heroes all. No matter what you think of the War itself, never question the dedication of the soldiers tasked to carry it out!

Think about this during your dry, warm, comfortable day...