Heroes Among Us - Leroy Petry

Leroy Petry's Background and Military Career

• Born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Third of five children
• Energetic and likable as a kid
• Struggled academically in school
• Joined the Army in 2001
• Graduated from Ranger school in Fort Benning, Georgia
• Deployed eight times to Iraq and Afghanistan
• Part of a special operations team
• Experienced a life-changing incident while in Afghanistan

Leroy Petry's Act of Bravery

• Alerted about a high-value target in their area
• Noticed a pineapple grenade behind his teammate
• Instantly recognized it as a threat
• Reached over and grabbed the grenade
• Hand was completely severed when it exploded

Recognition and Awards

• Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2011
• Second living soldier from Iraq and Afghanistan Wars to receive the honor
• Presented the key to a mortgage-free home in 2014
• Honored at a George Strait concert at A T Stadium
• Recognized for his courage and bravery

Impact and Support

• Petry's story inspires others
• Receives love and support from fellow Americans
• Petry's family in awe of the support they received
• Petry's heroism recognized by President Obama
• Petry's actions highlight the heroism of military personnel

Personal Growth and Transformation

• Turned his grades and future around
• Overcame academic struggles
• Developed into a successful military career
• Displayed exceptional bravery and selflessness in the face of danger