Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta and the Medal of Honor Are Coming to Soldier Field

Twenty-five year old Staff Sergeant and Congressional Medal of Honor winner Salvatore Giunta will be in attendance and honored at Soldier Field during the Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots game this coming Sunday.

In this world of internet bloggers, amateur sports writers and sports-talk radio, where egos are huge, tempers are short and actual intellectual debate is at a minimum; there are certain moments or people that can bring everything back to earth and show you what truly matters.

Often referred to as gridiron gladiators, or warriors, or even worse-“soldiers” if you’re Kellen Winslow, a real warrior will be watching from the stands. 

In 2007, while stationed at Firebase Vegas in Korangal Valley, Afghanistan, Salvatore Guinta was a twenty-two year old rifle team leader.  Korangal Valley was nicknamed “the valley of death” by the troops that served there. In a nutshell – The Americans were getting their asses kicked. Athletes describe “playing on the road” and how difficult it could be. Well this is the ultimate road game for an infantry soldier.

While returning to their post, Sal and his team were ambushed by roughly fifteen insurgents who not only had surprise, but cover and concealment.  He described the incident as “more bullets in the air than stars in the sky.” After two of his fellow soldiers fell, Sal ran straight into the wall of bullets to aid them.
That’s right, he ran into that wall of bullets, ran straight toward danger. There are receivers who won’t even do a crossing pattern.

Sal’s actions that day prevented two American soldiers’ bodies from being dragged away and used as propaganda piece.  He ensured that those soldiers’ families were able to bury their loved ones in the solace that they weren’t desecrated by a savage enemy. 

When asked to describe himself, he considered himself a mediocre soldier, an average soldier.
Imagine T.O, Chad Ochocinco or Brett Favre having that kind of character or that kind of humility.

On Sunday in Soldier Field, Sal Guinta will be honored. 

I hope that during this ceremony, a parent will point out to their child that while Tom Brady and Brian Urlacher are amazing athletes; at the end of the day, they’re just football players.

They are not heroes.

Sal Guinta is a hero.

He's also a Bears fan.