Visting with a Hero

This past weekend I finally took the time to see American Sniper.  Needless to say I enjoyed the movie. What struck me at the end of the movie was the videos and photos of Chris Klye's funeral procession and funeral services at AT&T Stadium.  Chris Kyle had many admirers, all honoring a hero who served his country during the Iraq War.  I think any veteran, regardless of service during peacetime or wartime, deserves the thanks and support of all Americans.  I also think they are true hereos.  While Chief Petty Officer Kyle was a very public hero, there are many heroes who service is not as noted or celebrated.  This past spring, I had a chance to meet a hero, but not just any hero, a Congressional Medal Honor winner.  His name is Jose Rodela, a native of Corpus Christi.

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest military honor bestowed on any U.S. military serviceman.  While many Corpus Christi and South Texas veterans severed gallantly and with distinction, I believe no one from this area has won the Medal of Honor.  Master Sgt. Rodela served in Vietnam and on March, 2014, President Obama awarded him the Medal of Honor based on a review of the actions of minority soldiers in past wars.

I had a chance to meet him at the Bucanner Days Scholarship Awards reception.  He was a featured guest and I always like to extend my thanks to any veteran I meet.  Sgt. Rodela was reserved and very distinguished.  We had a conservation about history and when I told him I was Robstown, he talked going to Robe to visit friends during the 1950s.  He talked about family and the importance of education.  Nothing in his conversation spoke about his actions in the Phouc Long Province or that he was in the Army Special Forces.  Maybe that is what makes him a true hero: a man who proudly served his country, fought for his fellow his soldiers, and came home to live his life as he wished.

Master Sgt. Jose Rodela and a thankful history teacher

Sgt. Rodela curently lives in San Antonio.  He is one of many heroes that call or called Corpus Christi and South Texas home.  Here is the link to the U.S. Army's website featuring Sgt. Rodela's biography and the Medal of Honor citation Master Sergeant Jose Rodela