Medal of Honor Ceremony, White House, September 15, 2011

Dakota, thanks for taking my call . . .

‘As the citation was read, Sgt. Meyer continued to stare straight ahead, his stillness repelling the adulation he still does not think he deserves. Of course, we know a very different truth.’ -NATASHA ROSENSTOCK (NADEL)

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For his part, Sgt. Meyer stood stoically, at attention the entire ceremony, only looking at the President when he recognized his comrades in the audience and, per Sgt. Meyer’s request, asked the audience to recognize them. In fact, Sgt. Meyer insisted he was only accepting the honor on behalf of his fallen comrades, whom the President named; He also pointed out that their families were only able to bury them at home, with dignity, due to Sgt. Meyer’s bravery.

Before launching into the emotional and valiant details of the 6 hour gun battle for which Sgt Meyer was being awarded the Medal of Honor, the President said, “Dakota, thanks for taking my call.” The President called to tell him about the medal while he was working his civilian job on a construction site. Sgt. Meyer said he couldn’t talk. “If I don’t work, I don’t get paid.” According to the President, he called back during Dakota’s lunch hour, told him the news and then Dakota got back to work.

The President pointed out that Sgt. Meyer is one of the youngest Medal of Honor recipients at age 23. In fact, his “extraordinary actions” were performed when he was just 21 years old.

As those in Adair County already know, Sgt. Meyer is a very down-to-earth guy. The President made sure to tell the audience that not only was he down-to-earth, he asked him to have a beer. In the President’s very non-Kentucky way, he said, “We were able to execute that yesterday.”

As President Obama began the story of Sgt. Meyer’s rescuing Afghan and US soldiers from a Taliban ambush, Sgt. Meyer’s eyes immediately filled with tears.

From across the room, I could see his painful memories rolling like a movie on repeat inside his electric blue eyes.

“I didn’t think I was going to die. I knew I was,” the President quoted Sgt Meyer as saying.

I heard the network news cameraman behind me sniffle.

“Because of your humble example, our kids, especially back in Columbia, KY and in small towns across America, they’ll know that no matter who you are or where you come from you can do great things as a citizen and as a member of the American family,” said President Obama.

As the citation was read, Sgt. Meyer continued to stare straight ahead, his stillness repelling the adulation he still does not think he deserves.

Of course, we know a very different truth. -Natasha Rosenstock (Nadel)
http://www.columbiamagazine.com/index.php?sid=46931

Dakota Meyer allows one last interview before ceremony

‘Do your best every day, give 100 percent every day and never stop.’ -DAKOTA MEYER

A Unifying Quiet has begun to settle over in Columbia/Adair County
in Shared Pride, and Silent Participation in A Unique, Sacred Moment in our History

This is an Exclusive Interview for.ColumbiaMagazine.com as Dakota Meyer is not giving any other interviews this week. The only condition of the interview was that I ask him questions pertaining to today and the future, rather than from the past. -NATASHA

Q: How can Adair Countians best honor you, but give you your privacy?

A: “I’m not about getting honored. They don’t have to treat me different than any one else. My privacy is the same as everyone else.”

He said those who want to do something can certainly give to his scholarship fund.

Q: What would you say to young people in Adair County who might want to join the Marines?

A: “It’s a great opportunity. It got me to where I’m at and set me up for success for the rest of my life.”

Q: What should young people do in school to prepare them for success in the Marines?

A: “Just what you need to do in any situation. Do your best every day, give 100 percent every day and never stop.”

Q: How has growing up in a rural area like Columbia influenced your values?

A: “Everyone knows where I’m from. In Columbia, KY everybody knows and takes care of one another. They’ve taken care of me and stood behind me since I came back.”

That being said, Dakota Meyer does not know where he’s going to be living in the near-future. But we can be sure he’ll carry his tenacity and perseverance with him wherever he goes. -NATASHA ROSENSTOCK for ColumbiaMagazine.com

http://www.columbiamagazine.com/index.php?sid=46924