The New England Patriots are set to honor former United States Army Staff Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts, a Medal of Honor recipient, as their honorary captain for the Week 11 game against the New York Jets. This recognition is part of the NFL’s Salute to Service campaign, a month-long tribute to the military. Pitts, a Lowell, Massachusetts native, is being recognized for his extraordinary heroism and selfless dedication, particularly his actions during the Battle of Wanat in Afghanistan in 2008.
Pitts’ story is one of incredible courage under fire. Despite sustaining near-fatal injuries and facing heavy enemy fire, he remained committed to defending his unit. His actions prevented the enemy from overrunning his unit’s observation post and helped preserve the lives and integrity of his fellow soldiers. This article delves into Pitts’ remarkable service, his exclusive interview with On SI, and the significance of the NFL’s Salute to Service campaign.
This tribute not only highlights Pitts’ heroic actions but also shines a spotlight on the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, an initiative he passionately supports. Furthermore, it underscores the Patriots’ commitment to honoring the military and the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by service members.
Inspired to Serve
Ryan Pitts’ path to becoming a decorated war hero began with a simple desire to find purpose. At 17, unsure of his future, he chose to enlist in the U.S. Army. While his friends were heading to college, Pitts felt a different calling. He came from a blue-collar family and though his parents would have supported his college education, he didn’t feel ready for that path. Instead, he sought something meaningful, a way to serve his country. This decision set him on a course that would test his courage and dedication in ways he could never have imagined.
In an exclusive interview, Pitts reflected on his early motivations: “When I think back to that time … when I enlisted at age 17.. I wish I could say that it had been total altruism … a patriotism … a love for my country. I think that was there, but a big part of it was that I really didn’t know what I wanted to do.” His honesty reveals a young man searching for direction, ultimately finding it in service to his nation.
Pitts’ initial uncertainty transformed into unwavering commitment as he faced the realities of military service. The challenges he encountered forged a resilience and dedication that would later define his heroic actions on the battlefield. His story is a testament to how a desire for purpose can lead to extraordinary acts of bravery and selflessness.
The Battle of Wanat: A Defining Moment
The Battle of Wanat in July 2008 stands as a pivotal moment in Ryan Pitts’ service. As part of the War on Terrorism in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan, Pitts faced an overwhelming enemy assault. Despite sustaining near-fatal injuries early in the battle, his commitment to his unit never wavered.
Under intense enemy fire from Taliban forces, Pitts remained steadfast in his commitment to defending his unit. His ability to fight while seriously wounded prevented the enemy from overrunning his unit’s Observation Post, which had sustained significant attack. He also helped preserve the integrity of fallen American soldiers, lost during that same battle.
Pitts’ actions during the Battle of Wanat demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience. Overcoming both near-fatal injuries, as well as heavy enemy fire from Taliban forces, Pitts remained steadfast in his commitment to the defense of his unit. His bravery not only saved lives but also upheld the values of honor and sacrifice that define military service.
A Nation’s Gratitude: The Medal of Honor
In 2014, Ryan Pitts received the United States military’s highest award – the Medal of Honor. Presented by President Barack Obama, this honor recognized Pitts’ extraordinary acts of heroism during the Battle of Wanat. He became the ninth living recipient to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan, joining an elite group of American heroes.
The Medal of Honor is not the only recognition Pitts has received. His service has also earned him the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal, further solidifying his place among the most distinguished members of the U.S. Armed Forces. These accolades reflect the nation’s gratitude for his exceptional service and sacrifice.
Today, Pitts is one of only a select few living Medal of Honor recipients. His story serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of service members, reminding them of the values of courage, sacrifice, and selfless service that are essential to protecting our nation’s freedom.
A Lifelong Call to Service
Since concluding his active duty in the U.S. Army in 2009, Ryan Pitts has continued to serve his community and country. His commitment extends beyond his military service, impacting the lives of young people and veterans alike. Pitts serves as a youth football coach and mentor, guiding young athletes and instilling in them the values of teamwork, discipline, and leadership.
Pitts also spotlights the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, an organization dedicated to promoting the values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. Through this work, he ensures that the stories of Medal of Honor recipients are shared and that their legacies inspire future generations. This commitment reflects his lifelong call to service, a vocation that has only grown stronger since his time in the military.
When asked about his continued service, Pitts stated: “I think, on a personal level, there’s just a calling for all of us to just give it back to the country that gave us so much.” His words encapsulate the spirit of selfless service that defines his life and his dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
The Medal of Honor Character Development Program
A key part of Ryan Pitts’ ongoing service is his involvement with the Medal of Honor Character Development Program. This initiative provides academic lesson plans for teachers and educators, designed to instruct students on character and values based on the Medal of Honor. The program is designed for students in grades 6-12 and consists of lesson plans based on the stories of Medal of Honor recipients and citizen heroes.
Pitts emphasizes the importance of this program: “It’s a great project, designed for 6th-12th grade students and it consists of academic lesson plans based on the stories of Medal of Honor Recipients and citizen heroes. While learning history and practicing a variety of academic skills, participating students also develop values that will benefit them and the communities they live in.”
The Medal of Honor Character Development Program is a free, secondary curriculum that can be easily adapted for use in a variety of classes. It provides a basis for service projects and leadership development, helping to cultivate the next generation of leaders and citizens. Pitts’ passion for this program underscores his commitment to instilling the values of courage, sacrifice, and integrity in young people.
NFL’s Salute to Service: Honoring the Military
The NFL’s Salute to Service campaign, launched in November 2011, is a league-wide effort to showcase the military appreciation work of the NFL and its teams. Taking place every November, this program honors veterans, current soldiers, and their families through special ceremonies and tributes. The New England Patriots’ recognition of Ryan Pitts as an honorary captain is a part of this initiative.
Throughout November, NFL teams designate select home games as special military appreciation games. During these games, teams display “Salute to Service” banners and host ceremonies to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s troops. Players and coaches often wear camouflage equipment and military apparel, further demonstrating their support.
The Salute to Service campaign has helped to extend appreciation for U.S. veterans and has also supported programs such as the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project. As a result, the NFL continues to be among the leading organizations to support and honor our Armed Forces, recognizing the importance of their service and sacrifice.
A Lasting Legacy of Courage and Service
Ryan M. Pitts’ story is one of extraordinary courage, selfless service, and unwavering dedication. From his decision to enlist in the U.S. Army to his heroic actions during the Battle of Wanat and his continued service to his community, Pitts has exemplified the values of the Medal of Honor. His recognition as an honorary captain by the New England Patriots is a fitting tribute to his remarkable legacy.
Pitts’ commitment to the Medal of Honor Character Development Program underscores his passion for instilling these values in future generations. By sharing his story and the stories of other Medal of Honor recipients, he inspires young people to embrace courage, sacrifice, and integrity in their own lives. His work ensures that the legacies of these American heroes will continue to inspire for years to come.
The NFL’s Salute to Service campaign provides a platform to honor the sacrifices of service members and their families. By recognizing individuals like Ryan Pitts, the NFL helps to raise awareness of the importance of supporting our troops and veterans. Pitts’ story reminds us of the debt we owe to those who serve and the importance of honoring their service and sacrifice.
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