4 minute read
The Cause Is Greater Than I Kenneth Riege
By Ken Riege USAF 1985 – 1993
This statement is not only the motto of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, it’s words that we can and should live by.
First a little about the man, Mr. Hershel “Woody” Williams. Woody was born on 2 October 1923 in West Virginia, where he still resides today. He is one of only two WWII Medal of Honor Recipients still living. All those who know Woody, know that he has the energy and stamina of 10 men half his age. Woody earned his medal of honor for his actions on Iwo Jima. I am so proud and honored to be considered a friend of Woody’s along with his family.
There is so much more that can be said about Woody, but I will leave that up to you, the reader, to do some research online or watch one of the many videos about Woody on YouTube. This story will mainly focus on his extraordinary efforts with his Gold Star Families Foundation and Memorials.
Their Mission statement is as follows: To honor, recognize, and serve Gold Star Families and the legacy of their Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Here is a picture of Mr. Hershel “Woody” Williams with one of his Gold Star Family Memorials.
Woody’s Foundation’s main goals of establishing Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments are:
The Monuments provide a place of permanence for Gold Star Families to gather and utilize as they see fit. These Monuments belong to the Gold Star Families and their fallen loved ones. They are intended to achieve the following:
Demonstrate to Gold Star Families that their community cares for them and appreciates their sacrifices while
Ken Riege with MOH Recipient from WWII, Mr. Woody Williams (USMC Retired) at the 2017 MOH Convention in Pueblo, CO. Woody had just presented me with the Hershel “Woody” William’s Honorary Board Member Award.
also honoring the ultimate sacrifice paid by their loved ones.
Establish local Gold Star Family communities and strengthen the community within itself through Gold Star Family outreach events associated with each monument location.
Educate the general public about Gold Star Families’ enduring sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones.
So, one may ask, where are these monuments located at and how can we as a community have one here to honor our Gold Star Families? Well, the easiest answer to that question is to go to the foundation website of: www. hwwmohf.org
Woody’s goal is to have one of these Gold Star Family Monuments in every state and he is closing in on that goal. Currently, in New Mexico there are two projected monuments, one in Farmington and one in Angel Fire. I feel that Gallup, NM being established as “The Most Patriotic Small Town in America” should work on having one of these monuments placed here. I can’t think of a better place for one than the Veteran’s Plaza at the Court House Square. I have had the great honor of meeting Mr. Woody Williams on many different occasions. Through working with our previous governor, Susana Martinez, I was able to establish September 2nd, 2017 as “Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams’ Day” in New Mexico. I am also honored to report that I am an “honorary” board member of the Hershel “Woody” Williams’ Foundation. Before I finish this story, I want to go back to the opening and the Woody Williams’ Foundation Motto of: “The Cause is Greater Than I” This is what this saying means to me. For the majority of this story I copied information directly from the foundation’s website. However, this statement needs to be elaborated on. In what would be considered normal times (just as short as a few months ago), there are a few organizations and agencies that would come to mind in regards to this statement. The military is one as well as our health care professionals, police, fire and EMT/ First Responders. They all fall under this category of individuals serving a cause greater than one’s self. But what about today in this new “normal” that we live in? So many have risen to this challenge and need to be acknowledged for their efforts. For example, those working at the grocery stores and the dangers they face every day while providing the necessary essentials to keep all of us going. This also goes for those working at the restaurants who have been providing those essential services to help us feel a little more “old normal” by enjoying food from our favorite places. The same can also be said for those who decided that “I am staying home and not taking any chances.” By doing that, they not only kept themselves healthy, but also their families. And of course, those of us in the lodging industry who have provided a place to stay for those who were/are still traveling, and especially for those who have come to Gallup to assist in the fight against the Coronavirus. We as a community have risen to this new challenge. I am so proud of how we have pulled together to get through these tough times. While we still need to do our part, we have and are all still serving “A cause that is greater than I.”
This Month’s Medal of Honor Quote, I believe, is a repeat. However, since I am doing this story on Woody, it’s only appropriate that I use his quote again. It is as follows:
