KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Five service members made a special journey to Kandahar Airfield April 17.
Retired Army Master Sgt. Leroy Petry, retired Army Sgt. Ralph Cacciapaglia, Army Sgt. Tom Block, retired Marine Corps Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, and retired Army Cpl. Steve Martin all visited Train, Advise, Assist Command -- South as part of Operation Proper Exit, which facilitates visits for wounded service members to the theaters of operation where they sustained their injuries, and allows them to depart on their own terms.
Additionally, Petry and Carpenter are each recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Petry was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in May of 2008. An enemy grenade landed feet from his fighting position; Petry threw it away from himself and his fellow Soldiers. It detonated in the process, costing Petry his right arm.
Carpenter was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in November of 2010, when he shielded another Marine from a grenade blast, suffering multiple serious wounds in the process.
A cheering crowd of more than 150 service members assigned to TAAC-S greeted the five warriors upon their arrival, and they later addressed the assembled crowd during a panel question-and-answer session. Topics ranged from the current mission in Afghanistan to their personal stories and experiences.
"No matter what, we are here, trying to help a people, help a country, have a better way of life," said Carpenter. "You should be proud of that. Also, nobody made you join. You gave up four years, 20, 30 years, to put yourself in the back seat, to put a bigger purpose before yourself. Remember that, when the days get long and hard."
Other panel members echoed his statements, as they addressed their personal stories of returning to Afghanistan, having previously departed the country while wounded and often while unconscious.
"I think [the Purple Heart] is a reminder that life is short. If you look at that award as a challenge, you can turn it into something extremely positive," said Cacciapaglia, when asked how he viewed the Purple Heart.
Many of the questions centered around Petry and Carpenter's experiences.
"Being a recipient [of the Medal of Honor] is a double-edged sword. It's very tough at times, but it is also very rewarding," said Carpenter. "It represents more than a piece of metal. I wear it for all of you."
"It's hard to put into words - it represents our country, those who have put on the uniform, those who wear the uniform, those who will wear the uniform," he said.
Petry expressed a similar attitude.
"I take it as the standard to the world, which we hold ourselves to," he said. "It's a responsibility we take when we receive it."
The panel's overall message centered around the service members who had come to see them and hear from them. Many times, they lauded the audience for their contributions and their continued service.
"Don't wish your time away," said Carpenter. "Don't let the people you're standing next to disappear from your lives. Don't forget the people you're standing shoulder-to-shoulder with right now."
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