John Sherman: A soldier’s soldier

Thank you for the May 25 news article “Vet of 3 wars full of solemn memories” about retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel Jacques Michienzi’s Memorial Day remembrance of fallen U.S. servicemen. The holiday is intended for that exact purpose.

I am grateful for Michienzi’s many years of service to our country and that he is still with us providing an exemplary example of patriotic service. This man is a soldier’s soldier: a true warrior; as he said, “not a desk man.”

An award on his display but not listed in your summary of awards is the Combat Infantry Badge. His includes two stars indicating he has earned it three times. This badge is awarded only to those whose military job (MOS) is “infantryman” and who have actively engaged the enemy in ground combat. Most soldiers do not meet this requirement though they are eligible for other awards, such as the Combat Action Badge, for combat experience.

This American trained and performed as a warrior, even when he could have avoided it. He truly deserves to be thanked, respected and honored – and emulated by future generations.

This story was originally published May 31, 2015 at 2:00 PM with the headline "John Sherman: A soldier’s soldier."