David Bellavia is a name every great patriot should know. The Congressional Medal of Honor is our nation's highest military honor. It is given only for extraordinary bravery in combat, at risk to life. The honor is not given out lightly; there are 66 living recipients as of Spring of 2022. It was an honor to have Staff Sergeant David Bellavia be our special guest of the day.
David is the first and only living Iraq Veteran to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. He received the Medal of heroic efforts on November 10, 2004, during the Third Battle in Fallujah — for his dramatic actions that saved the lives of his unit members.
David served in three military campaigns: Kosovo 2003, Operation Iraqi Freedom I, and Operation Iraqi Freedom II. David enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1999 and chose to stay and protect America following the September 11 terror attacks. As if the Medal of Honor were not enough, his many recognitions and decorations include the Bronze Star, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Nato Medal. In 2005, David was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame.
Our community was honored to have him attend the event, the perfect opportunity to thank him for his heroic service to our Country. Generations of families got to hear him speak -- you never know what will inspire a young person to selflessly serve the greatest nation in the world.
