Medal of Honor Recipient recognized by City of Bowling Green and Bowling Green V.A. Clinic

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-  The courage of several soldiers can often get overlooked, but today things were different. Don Jenkins, a Medal of Honor recipient, shares some of his story.

Today a Kentucky-raised Vietnam war veteran is honored by the city of Bowling Green and the Bowling Green V.A. Clinic. The medal Don Jenkins received is the highest recognition a service member can earn.

Penny Ritchie, the Bowling Green, VA Clinic administrator tells us the goal of the V.A. Clinic, and how they go above and beyond to help veterans, Penny says,  “We want to make sure that our veterans know that we’re not just here for your health inside the building, but we’re there for you outside of the building as well. They’ve earned the right to be recognized and to be honored. They put a lot of sacrifices down. And it’s you know, sometimes we all say thank you for your service, but sometimes we forget to say thank you for your sacrifice.”

To be classified as an American hero, it takes a level of boldness and courage that can be overlooked, but today the sacrifice of several soldiers who have medals are recognized. 

John Jackson, the deputy chief of staff for TN Valley Health explains what it’s like to make these sacrifices and display this courage. He says, “The military takes a special breed. It’s somebody who raises their hand, and says, I’m going to defend the country that I’ve been blessed to be a part of. This does not come lightly. Some give their lives. Many give so much of their lives that, you know, at the VA, We’re here to try to make them as whole as possible after everything they did for us. “

Honoring the service of many military soldiers is just the beginning and a small way to say thank you to those who stood and fought on the front lines. News 40 also wants to say thank you. If you have a family member who served during the Vietnam War or you know someone who served during the Vietnam War, email us at New@wnky.com.