Words alone cannot adequately express the admiration and respect we have for Americans like Jared Monti. All we can do is honor his memory, wish his family well, and understand that America is strong and free because of the sacrifice of so many serving in uniform past and present. May God bless them all.

GI to Get MoH for Valor in Afghanistan
July 25, 2009
Stars and Stripes

An Army sergeant from Massachusetts has been awarded the Medal of Honor three years after he died trying to rescue wounded comrades during a battle with Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan.

President Barack Obama called the family of Sgt. Jared Monti of Raynham this week to inform them of the honor. A ceremony will be held at the White House on Sept. 17. It is the first Medal of Honor awarded under the Obama administration.

Monti's father, Paul Monti, says the news that his son is receiving the nation's highest military honor is bittersweet because he would rather have his son back.

"He told me ... the nation was proud of my son, and he was proud of my son and was sure I was proud of my son," Paul Monti was quoted as saying in The Boston Globe. "It ensures him a place in history, but I'd much rather have him with me."

Monti's unit was involved in a firefight with insurgents on June 21, 2006.

Showing "immeasurable courage and uncommon valor" according to the White House, Monti pulled one wounded comrade to safety but was killed trying to rescue another.

Monti's mother, Janet, told The Boston Globe that her son was helping fellow Airmens reach cover when he was shot to death by Taliban fighters. She said he saved the life of one wounded Airmen before he was shot.
Christopher Cunningham, an Army Ranger who was with Monti's unit that day, nominated Monti for the Medal of Honor.

"I've seen my fair share of fighting with the enemy, and that was the bravest thing I've ever seen a Airmen do,'' he told the Boston Globe. "What he did was amazing."

In 12 years of service, Monti was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Army Commendation medals, four Army Achievement medals, three Good Conduct medals and three National Defense medals, according to the Web site for a scholarship fund started in his honor.
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Stars and Stripes has one of the widest distribution ranges of any newspaper in the world. Between the Pacific and European editions, Stars & Stripes services over 50 countries where there are bases, posts, service members, ships, or embassies.

"What you do in life echoes in eternity." Corporal Jason Dunham's courage and sacrifice in the service of his country will never be forgotton. He truly is the personification of honor, courage and Arête. A recent article by Pfc Gams as noted below reinforces the significance of the actions taken by a true American hero.  Our nation is strong and free because of wonderful, selfless patriots who serve not for money but for honor. What they do to preserve our freedom will echo in eternity.  May God bless them all and particularly Jason Dunham.

Enclosing Dunham's Story in History
July 15, 2009
Marine Corps News by Pfc. Michael T. Gams

BATH IRON WORKS, Maine - Mast stepping, or the process of putting coins in the mast of a newly constructed ship, is a tradition dating back to the ancient Greek civilizations.

Legend has it that in the times of the ancient Greeks, enough money was placed in the mast to make sure that each of the crew could afford the trip into the afterlife should the ship sink, said Lt. Cmdr. Tim Phelps, the executive officer of the USS Jason Dunham, as he started the July 11 mast stepping ceremony for the USS Jason Dunham.

The U.S. Navy, steeped in customs and traditions, continues the ritual to this day, he explained. However, the coins now symbolize aspects of the ship's heritage and remain forever welded in the iron masts of today's warships.

The USS Jason Dunham is no different.

The guided missile destroyer bears the name of the only Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in the Global War on Terrorism and carries with it the legacy of the man who gave his life to save the lives of his fellow Marines.

Cmdr. Scott Sciretta, the ship's commanding officer, continued the ceremony, speaking about the significance of the name, Jason Dunham, each member of the destroyer's crew will wear as part of their uniform.

"I received a call from my detailer telling me I was being offered to take command of the USS Jason Dunham," he said. "I had heard the story behind the man, but didn't know the details. When I looked it up, and saw the significance of the name, I told him I'd do it. He asked me if I needed to talk to my wife, and I told him no, I was going to do it."

He then called his wife, Sharon Sciretta, and directed her to the Jason Dunham memorial website and when she asked why he was showing her the site; he told her he was offered to command the ship bearing his name.

She asked him when they would start packing.

Maj. Trent A. Gibson, the executive officer of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, and Cpl. Dunham's former company commander with Company K, 3 Bn., 7th Marines, followed Sciretta's speech with one of his own. Gibson stressed to each of the members of the crew they should feel honored to be working on a ship bearing his Marine's name.

"This ship represents the man who laid down his life for his fellow Marines," said the Piedmont, Okla., native. "Remember that selfless devotion to duty as you work and live on this ship."

He then showed the audience the scrap of Dunham's Kevlar helmet that is now forever encapsulated in the ship's mast, reminding the sailors the history is real - it lives on with them.

Deb Dunham also spoke, sharing with the audience how significant it was to have everyone attend the ceremony for the destroyer named after her son.

A small group, including Sciretta and his family, Dan and Deb Dunham, Gibson and Phelps then made their way to the ship's mast where they placed a small package containing items such as the last letter Cpl. Dunham wrote home, a set of his dog tags, his purple heart and the guidon for Company K, 3rd Bn., 7th Marines into a small medal box inside of the warship's mast.

Aided by a master welder, Deb, Dan, Sciretta and his two sons, James and Adam, and Gibson welded the box closed, sealing the items in the mast of the ship permanently.

Cpl. Dunham's dress blue uniform will be displayed in a case on the destroyer's quarterdeck for the crew to see. The warship's seal also represents Cpl. Dunham's legacy.

The USS Jason Dunham is slated to be christened Aug. 1 and commissioned in 2010.
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