FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: SSG Sal Giunta ~ July 5, 2010

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World | StarCMC

[Kathy in Alaska]

 

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today!

---

~ Hall of Heroes ~

SSG Sal Giunta

(Info found here.)

           

SSG Sal Giunta, a paratrooper w/ the 173rd Airborne, is likely to be the first living Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War. He earned this by charging a group of Taliban who were trying to make off with a wounded comrade in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan. His actions broke the Taliban’s attack and allowed him to regain control of SGT Josh Brennan. He also saved the lives of the many other members of his unit who had been caught in a near ambush by the Taliban. Giunta didn’t hesitate one second before advancing on his own to ensure the enemy would never take one of ours, but sadly Josh Brennan was too badly wounded too survive. His cousin PVT Joe Brennan recently graduated airborne school and has joined the same unit proudly carrying on Josh’s memory.

SSG Salvatore Giunta

The 2nd Battalion (Airborne) 503rd Infantry Regiment “The Rock” deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 for 15 months of the most intense combat any US unit has faced in this war. During the time they spent on the border with Pakistan, this one battalion averaged three troops in contact incidents every day. They were right in the path of the Taliban’s major push back into Afghanistan after years of resting, recruiting and retraining in their safe havens in Pakistan. The Rock proudly upheld the tradition of our airborne forces in some of the most inhospitable terrain on Earth. SSG Giunta was a member of Battle Company and the exploits of some of his compatriots in that unit are vividly chronicled in Sebastian Junger’s book “War” and the documentary “Restrepo” (in theaters now) he made with Tim Hetherington. The two spent a total of five months with a platoon from Battle Company and the book and film show the tremendous challenges these men faced and overcame.

Giunta was a Specialist when the action occurred and his squad was hit with a well-planned ambush at extremely close range. He was the trail team leader and Josh Brennan was the lead. When the fighting started Brennan was severely wounded, their squad leader was knocked to the ground, their medic was killed and several others were wounded. Giunta immediately began maneuvering toward the enemy throwing grenades and eventually charging them when he saw two of them hauling Josh away. He emptied a magazine killing one and wounding the other and grabbed Brennan telling Josh to stay with him so that he would get a chance to tell heroic stories. They did get Brennan on a medevac chopper, but unfortunately his wounds were too severe and he didn’t survive. But Giunta’s actions stopped the Taliban from taking him and by running headlong at the enemy he disrupted the ambush. SSG Giunta’s story can be read in Junger’s book “War” starting on page 115.

It has been far too long since we have awarded the Medal of Honor to someone who survived, and SSG Giunta is a wonderful addition to the ranks of those who have earned our country’s highest honor. There are a number of others under consideration for this decoration and hopefully this is a sign that more of these brave warriors will be recognized. We have heard this was approved by the White House and they are only waiting to set a date for the ceremony.

We salute SSG Giunta and all who serve or have served our country. We are also proud to announce that Andrew Breitbart will be launching a new site called Big Peace on July 4th to focus on the efforts of our troops to spread freedom and liberty and all of those who work to ensure our national security.

-story by Jim Hanson

When

SSG Giunta is awarded the Medal, we will present another thread for him.

Thank you, sir, for your service and sacrifice!

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

[HopeandGlory]

Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops, They're fighting for our Freedom.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

God Bless Our Republic

Prayers going up

[Mmogamer]

Might be a long wait if you’re gonna wait on 0 to award the medal to this hero.

[oldteen]

Evenin’!

[Jet Jaguar]

A big ole BUMP TO THE TOP!

Well Done SSG Salvatore Giunta, you earned it!

[SandRat]

Happy Independence Day Kathy.

One of the soldiers that I talked to today at our celebration is from Alaska.

[oldteen]

Well Done SSG Salvatore Giunta, you earned it!

You're absolutely right on that one, JJ.

[oldteen]

Good evening Hope. Thank you for our Nations Pledge :)

[oldteen]

Evenin’ Sand. Did your Independence Day celebration go well?

[HopeandGlory]

You're very welcome oldteen . . . God Bless America!!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Honoring Our Heroes

2LT Rebecca USA (Daughter of U S Army EOD)
3 sons (armymarinemom and amdad)
AbnSarge USA
Allegra
Anoreth USCG (daughter of Tax-chick)
aviator USAF
Brett USN (CindyDawg)
Brother and Son-in-Law (kalee)
Cannoneer No. 4
CAPT Future Snake Eater USA (RightOnline)
CAPT Jason Clendenin (friend of Frou)
Chris USA (amom)
Chuck USA (RightOnline)
COL Mike (gpapa)
CMS USA
ConorMacNessa USN USMC
David USAF (LUV W)
Defender2
Deven USA (Shimmer)
Ethan USMC (georgiabelle)
forgotenknight13 USA (grandson of Monkey Face)
Fred (DocRock)
GulfWar1Vet USA
IS2 Brianne USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
IS2 Heather USN (My Hearts in London - Everett)
Jade Falcon USN
JemiansTerror USA (Jemian)
Jet Jaguar USAF
Joel (NEMDF)
Jonathan USMC (AZbushgal)
Josh USN (doug from upland)
Karen USA (fatima's granddaughter)
Kenneth (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
Kevin USMC (skimask)
Kevin and David USA (vigilante2)
Laurita USA
LCpl Carter USMC
LCpl Joe USMC (Don’tMessWithTexas)
Lindsay (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
LT David (Coldwater Creek)
M1911A1 USMC (M0sby)
M1Tanker
Major joma89 USAF
MEG33's Navy Grandson
Michael USAR (RightOnline)
Mike1Sg USA (mystery-ak)
Milo828 USA (mystery-ak)
MSGT Glen Ignasiak USAF (nephew of AirForceMom)
Nate USN (sneakers)
Old Sarge USA
OneLoyalAmerican USCG
PFC Alan USA (brother-in-law Stonewall Jackson)
PFC Dan USA (son of swmobuffalo)
PFC Jake USMC (son of Enough_Deceit)
Philetus USA
Pvt Alex USA (son of Enough_Deceit)
Rick USAF (Doogle)
Robert, Jeremy, Daynnis USA (SoldierDad)
Sat-Com Chris USA (son of KC Burke)
SGT Ev USA (Mozie)
SGT Gray USA (colorcountry’s son)
SGT Robert USMC (MarineMom613)
SGT Sean Reed (preed)
Son USCG (GodBlessUSA)
SPC Mike USA (AbnSarge)
SPC William Akin USA (Step-son of BlueLancer)
SrA The Black Knight USAF
SSG Brian USA (repubmom)
SSG Dustin USA (SIL of U S Army EOD)
SSG Dusty USA (MountainDad)
SSG Mitchel USA (tina07)
SSG Spencer USA (grame)
SSGT Don May Jr USMC (debm29palms)
SSGT John Linde USA (JFoxbear)
Terrence USN (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim)
The Sailor
tongue-tied USN/USA
Tonkin USN/USCG
TSGT Jason M Kibler USAF (son of AirForceMom)
SFC txradioguy USA
USAFSecurityForces (son of visualops & TheStickman)
Valerie USAF (Shimmer)
Victor and Tony D USMC (weldgophardline)
William USA (jackv)

 

[Don W]

Good day Kathy in Alaska!

It’s my Friday morning right now, and I am overjoyed that I managed to find your thread before leaving for the old salt mines.

Thanks for all you do for the military and military retirees on this board.

[AZamericonnie]

Supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen
at more than 1,000 places across the U. S. and around the world.

~Tribute to Our Troops~

[SandRat]

Oh most definitely yes.

Here's the city schedule that I only attended from 1040 to 1445 today. The place was packed with folks of all ages.

Parade

7:30 a.m. — Participants will assemble for the annual Pets and People Parade in front of AlphaGraphics at 2309 E. Fry Blvd. All types of animals and humans can participate in the parade.

At Veterans’ Memorial Park

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — At Veterans’ Memorial Park, Fort Huachuca will provide exhibits of military equipment and technology. Soldiers will be available to answer your questions.

B Troop, 4th Cavalry (Memorial) will set up an encampment and will take part in various activities during the day.

The post will also provide a Select Honor Guard for raising and lowering the
flags in various ceremonies.

A Salute Battery will fire cannons during the noon salute to the 50 states.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — There will be food vendors, arts and crafts displays and vendors, and entertainment.

9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. — The Native American Red Horse Dancers will perform native American blessings.

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. — Christian Fellowship Ministry will present “God and Country,” a theatrical/musical arrangement.

10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. — Daughters of the American Revolution will present “Tribute to Our Nation.” A Boy Scout from Troop 464 will read “I Am the Flag of the United States of America,” a poem by Phillip Ullmen.

11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Just Kids Inc., a foundation of the San Pedro Kiwanis Club, is sponsoring the annual Chili
Cook-Off and tasting. Proceeds will
benefit children in Sierra Vista, Huachuca City, Bisbee and Hereford. Cooks compete and earn points for the National
Chili Cook-Off held in Terlingua, Texas. The general public can buy a tasting
cup for $3 to try the various chilis. Judging will begin at noon. Miss Sierra Vista, Kimberly Swift, will present trophies about 2 p.m.

11:30 a.m. — The noon ceremony will be presided over by Rotary Club of Sierra Vista President Jim Evans. Posting of the Colors will be by VFW Post 9972, Cochise Warrior Color Guard, under the command of “Shorty” Larson.

Sierra Vista will be honored to have Gov. Jan Brewer speak at the ceremony. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords also will address the Fourth of July celebration. Finally, Mayor Bob Strain will read a July Fourth proclamation from the City of Sierra Vista.

The Salute to the Union will include a 50-cannon salute by the Select Honor Guard from Fort Huachuca.

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Concert by the Sierra Vista Community Band.

1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Desert Thunder Gymnastics & Cheerleading will
demonstrate martial arts and fitness. Cochise FC – Futbol and Sierra
Vista Futsal Clubs will also entertain.

3 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Classic rock ’n’ roll will be performed by The Effect.

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Beau Renfro & Clear Country Band will perform.

Fireworks will close it out tonight along with a Joint Army Band/City Orchestra with the last song (the 1812 Overture) accompanying the Grand Finale complete with cannons firing.

[Kathy in Alaska]

And a happy Friday morning to you, Don! ((HUGS)) Have a good work day.

[Tax-chick]

Happy 4th in Alaska, Kathy! It’s almost fireworks time here; my husband and son have taken the dog out before the *bangs* start. She doesn’t like loud noise.

Seaman Anoreth in Singapore says there’s no place like the United States, but the “Terror Club,” a relic of the British days, is pretty nice. She made her crew watch “1776,” and they had fireworks.

[Dubya]

SEMPER FI
SGT. GIUNTA

[oldteen]

Thank you Star for tonights thread on this fine young hero! Thank you Kathy for making it possible to be read by all who visit and enjoy the Canteen! *hugs*

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Star, for today's Hall of Heroes: SSG Sal Giunta.

[Doogle]

...it’s an oldie but a goodie and worth the 1:53 minutes to view again and maybe some noobs haven’t seen it..*smiles*

Happy Fourth everyone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR6FDNNC8gI