Fairchild leadership recognizes Medal of Honor recipient

by Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

2/12/2014 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.  -- Team Fairchild leadership joined the students, staff and the Alumni Association of North Central High School at the annual Red and Black Convocation for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ty Carter, while he was recognized as this year's distinguished alumnus Feb. 7, 2014, at North Central High School in Spokane, Wash.

Carter, a graduate of the high school from the class of 1998, received the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama at the White House in August 2013, for his valor and actions on the battle field in Afghanistan.

The school's principal, Steve Fisk, said he remembered Carter as a hard worker and a great kid. The students were grateful to meet him, as he reminisced about his days attending the school and gave a motivating speech.

"It is very common to look to your left and right and see a hero," Carter said to the crowd. "The real heroes are the people who work hard every day to help their community, brothers and sisters next to them. You should know you always have your family and friends right next to you who have your back, and with that you all have capabilities to do great things."

The students gave him a class ring and put together a shadow box honoring Carter to hang in the school. Carter said he was thrilled to have all the support from the students, staff and military leadership that welcomed him.

"It feels like coming home," Carter said. "Having the military leadership here is excellent. The students have role models to notice and hopefully there will be some military members in the crowd."

Team Fairchild leaders said they were grateful to be a part of the event.

"Thank you North Central High School for celebrating our military and celebrating a true American hero, Staff Sgt. Carter," said Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "Patriotism starts with our youth and I was overwhelmed by a school that clearly puts nation above self. His message to the students resonates with all of us...together, we can soar higher, and because we in the military are a unbeatable team, our country will continue to realize great things!"