ANOTHER LOCAL HERO – CLINTON ROMESHA

SPECIAL POST

It’s rare that I digress from the heartaches of the nation to talk about something on the good side.  In fact, the last time I did it was on July 17, 2010 when I wrote about a local hero, Marine Lance Corporal Tyler Roads who had come home to the Intermountain area of northern California for his last time… in a casket.  I was amazed at the time, regarding the local turnout in support of Tyler for his last ride from Redding to the local mortuary. 

Now, I am touched by the story of Army Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha.  In a front-page story in the MOUNTAIN ECHO, it was reported that he was “serving as a Section Leader with Bravo Troop, 3^rd Squadron, 61^st Calvary Regiment, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, 4^th Infantry Division on October 3, 2009 at Combat Outpost Keating, a small base in Afghanistan’s Nuristan Province.”  He took out an enemy machine gun position, was injured by a grenade, and started to take out another machine gun. 

“With complete disregarding for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Romesha continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire, as he moved confidently about the battlefield engaging and destroying multiple enemy targets.”  He personally identified a main point of attackers and arranged air support that killed 30 enemy combatants. 

“After learning that other soldiers at a distant battle position were still alive, Sergeant Romesha and his team provided covering fire, allowing three of their wounded comrades to reach the aid station.  Romesha and his team then pushed forward 100 meters under withering fire to recover the bodies of their fallen comrades.” 

Romesha has family ties in Adin and Burney, California. He is now the fourth living recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor.  I don’t know this American hero, but I have an undying respect for him and his contribution to our country.  Maybe, if our President had ever served in the American military, his values and his leadership objectives would be much more patriotic. 

Thank you for your service, Sergeant Romesha. 

That’s MY AMERICAN OPINION, respectfully submitted.