Yesterday, I had the honor of presenting long-overdue medals to John James Scarpino, a 95-year-old Korean War veteran from Des Moines.
At just 20 years old, John stepped up to serve our country as a lineman and communications specialist supporting U.S. air missions that kept American forces connected and Korean civilians protected.
Yesterday morning, 72 years after his service began, John recieved the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star, and the United Nations Service Medal.
As a combat veteran and Air Force Colonel, I know that each of those medals signify incredible courage and sacrifice. I also know that while stories like John’s don’t often make headlines, they forged this nation’s history, and it’s our duty to make sure they’re never forgotten.