Retired Master Sgt. Leroy Petry, who was awarded the Medal of Honor, speaks to a drill sergeant Aug. 20, 2021, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, after a Basic Combat Training graduation.
In his speech, Petry praised drill sergeants for molding the next generation of Soldiers.

Medal of Honor recipient retired Master Sgt. Leroy Petry, right, speaks to guests after a Basic Combat Training graduation Aug. 20, 2021, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Thousands of families, friends, Soldiers, and leaders attended the ceremony which featured three graduating batteries from the 434th Field Artillery Brigade.

FORT SILL, Oklahoma (Aug. 23, 2021) -- Medal of Honor recipient retired Master Sgt. Leroy Petry was the guest speaker at the 434th Field Artillery’s Brigade’s Basic Combat Training graduation ceremony Aug. 20, at Polo Field.

About 550 Soldiers graduated from D Battery, 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery; A Battery, 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery; and C Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery. Thousands of families, friends, Soldiers, and leaders attended the 9:30 a.m. ceremony.

Petry congratulated the Army’s newest Soldiers and told them this was a pivotal moment in their lives.

“You all are standing here because you wouldn’t quit, you worked together as a team … you learned how to suck it up with blisters, chafing, while exhausted,” he said. “You have earned the title of American Soldier.

“Bear that title with pride. Live the Army values,” said Petry, age 42. “The choices you make, and the actions you take will always lead back to this day.

“Become an expert in your skills and together as a team, accomplish every mission that you are given,” he said. “Do your very best at every task and inspire those that are around you.”

Afterward, Petry said that he wanted the neophyte Soldiers to know there is team of veterans, service members, civilians, and patriots who are there to support them.

In regard to the current Afghanistan situation, Petry said, “I feel a little bit angry. The reason the Taliban has so quickly taken over is because we abandoned them.”

Petry said he knows people have been comparing the situation to the Vietnam War.

“I hope that our veterans and military that have served over in Afghanistan don’t look down upon themselves,” he said. “We did our best while we were there.”

Wearing the MoH brings opportunity, Petry said.

“We’ve been given an opportunity to honor the medal and what it represents,” he said. “It represents that any of our service members across the board are capable of great things.”

Petry and his family live in Washington near Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He spends much of his time supporting nonprofits, and youth and veterans organizations. Before the pandemic, he said he was doing about 220 speaking and promotional engagements a year.

Petry was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions May 26, 2008, in Afghanistan. He received the medal July 12, 2011, from the president of the United States.