Character Education - Interview with Medal of Honor Recipient Lieutenant Colonel William D. Swenson (Afghanistan)

This edWeb podcast is hosted by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
The webinar recording can be accessed here.

Please listen to an edWeb podcast interview with Medal of Honor Recipient Lieutenant Colonel William D. Swenson (Afghanistan). Lieutenant Colonel Swenson was awarded the Medal of Honor for risking his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving in Afghanistan.

Interviews with Medal of Honor Recipients are part of the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, a free program that helps middle – high school students build character and promotes responsible citizenship. The Medal of Honor is awarded for “gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one’s life, above and beyond the call of duty.” Those awarded it drew upon their deepest convictions and values in the most challenging of circumstances. Their examples of courage and sacrifice can inspire us as we face our own challenges.

Then-Captain Swenson risked his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. Enemy fighters had ambushed Captain Swenson’s combat team as it moved on foot into the village of Ganjgal for a meeting with village elders. As the enemy unleashed grenades, mortar, and machine gun fire, Captain Swenson immediately returned fire and directed the response of his Afghan Border Police while simultaneously calling in support. He coordinated air assets, indirect fire support, and medical evacuation helicopter support. Captain Swenson ignored enemy radio transmissions demanding surrender and maneuvered to render medical aid to a wounded fellow soldier. With complete disregard for his own safety, he then led a team into the kill zone to recover more wounded and search for four missing comrades. His exceptional leadership and stout resistance against the enemy during six hours of continuous fighting rallied his teammates and effectively disrupted the enemy’s assault.

Here are ways you can share this inspiring story and interview with your middle – high school students: 

• Share Lieutenant Colonel Swenson’s story with your class.
• Watch the edWebinar above and listen to this edWeb podcast to share and discuss with your class.
• Take advantage of the free lessons provided by the Medal of Honor Character Development Program. For  shortened activities specifically for you to use while learning has shifted to an online format, follow the Character Development Program on Facebook. 
• Please note that students must listen to the edWeb podcast under the supervision of a teacher and are not allowed to log into the program individually.
  
  This edWeb podcast is of interest to all teachers and school and district leaders for their middle – high school students.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Medal of Honor Character Development Program, a free resource developed by educators for educators.

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