Medal of Honor recipient calls military honor life-changing

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia won’t officially receive his Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump for another two weeks but already, he says, everything’s changed.

The radio talk show host and one-time Republican congressional candidate says his focus now isn't his own opinions but the fellow Iraq veterans he represents, as well as families of soldiers who've lost their lives.

RELATED

Medal of Honor announced for soldier who fought through three floors of insurgents in Fallujah

During the battle, Bellavia single-handedly killed multiple insurgents, including one during hand-to-hand combat.

By Kyle Rempfer

Bellavia spoke with reporters Tuesday, a day after the White House announced he will receive the nation's highest military honor for valor in Iraq in 2004.

It was Bellavia’s 29th birthday and his platoon was clearing buildings in Fallujah when they encountered heavily armed insurgents. Bellavia engaged the attackers, providing cover for his soldiers to get outside. He then re-entered the house and killed several insurgents.

In Other News

VA to resume new electronic health record rollout in mid-2026

The project was scheduled to take 10 years and cost $16 billion. Nearly eight years later, only six of VA’s 170-plus medical sites are using the software.

Suicides among veterans remain unchanged despite federal focus

The figures are the latest available from federal census data and suggest limited progress on the issue of suicide prevention by Veterans Affairs leaders.

Looming government shutdown could hurt military families, veterans

Plans to avert a partial government shutdown starting this weekend appeared scuttled after President-elect Donald Trump opposed the bipartisan deal.

Live in the Tricare West Region? Do this before Dec. 31.

Beneficiaries in the West Region who don't provide recurring payment information could risk losing Tricare coverage.

Senate finalizes plans for a massive junior enlisted pay boost in 2025

Troops ranked E-4 and below would see a 14.5% raise and all other troops a 4.5% raise under legislation headed to the White House.

Load More