Ryan Pitts, Medal of Honor Hero, Stuns Patriots Fans as Honorary Captain for Week 11 Showdown
A Salute to Service
In a heartfelt tribute to those who have served, the New England Patriots have chosen Medal of Honor recipient Ryan Pitts as their honorary captain for the Week 11 matchup against the New York Jets. For Pitts, a former United States Army Staff Sergeant, stepping onto the field at Gillette Stadium is akin to attending a sacred gathering. He once described the stadium as the NFL’s version of “church,” a testament to his deep-rooted passion for the team and its legacy.
As part of the NFL’s month-long Salute to Service campaign, Pitts will take center stage during the pregame festivities of Amazon’s broadcast, an opportunity for the Patriots and their fans to honor a soldier whose bravery exemplifies the spirit of sacrifice.
A Hero’s Journey
Hailing from Lowell, Massachusetts, Pitts is celebrated for his remarkable acts of valor, particularly during the fierce July 2008 Battle of Wanat in Afghanistan. His resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, including serious injuries and relentless enemy fire from Taliban forces, showcased an unwavering commitment to his comrades. Pitts fought valiantly to protect his unit’s Observation Post, ensuring that they did not succumb to the enemy’s assault. His actions not only saved lives but also honored the memory of fallen soldiers from that fateful day.
For his extraordinary courage, Pitts has received numerous accolades, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. The pinnacle of his achievements came in 2014 when he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama, becoming the ninth living recipient of this prestigious military award.
An Ongoing Commitment to Service
Despite his decorated military career, Pitts remains humble about his accomplishments. In an exclusive interview, he expressed that his true heroism lies in his ongoing commitment to serving others, a calling that has intensified since his military service concluded in 2009.
Reflecting on his motivations for enlisting, Pitts shared, “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.” He found himself at a crossroads, with friends heading to college while he was still searching for direction. Joining the Army offered him a meaningful purpose and a chance to serve his country.
Understanding Sacrifice
Diving into the concept of sacrifice, Pitts articulated the profound bond forged between soldiers. “You, and those you serve with, all commit to one mission … to fight together and to fight for each other,” he explained. This sense of camaraderie transcends individual backgrounds and beliefs, creating an unbreakable bond that prioritizes the safety of comrades above one’s own.
Pitts noted that while he faced numerous challenges during his service, the true gift he received was the brotherhood he formed with his fellow soldiers. “I owe so much to what my brothers and sisters in arms gave to me,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared purpose.
A New Chapter of Service
Even after leaving active duty, Pitts continues to impact his community as a youth football coach and mentor. He actively supports the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, further showcasing his dedication to service. “There’s just a calling for all of us to give back to the country that gave us so much,” he remarked.
His involvement in the Medal of Honor Character Development Program speaks to his commitment to instilling values in young people. This initiative provides lesson plans based on the stories of Medal of Honor recipients, teaching students about character development while also fostering academic skills. “It’s a free, secondary curriculum which can be easily adapted for use in a variety of classes,” he explained, highlighting its potential to inspire service projects and leadership development among students.
As the Patriots prepare to honor Ryan Pitts this week, fans can look forward to celebrating a hero whose story of courage and commitment extends far beyond the battlefield.
