Medal of Honor Recipient Talks Character at Meade High

Robert Foley was relatively new to the Army when he learned that some of his fellow soldiers had skipped some training in the use of their weapons. 

Foley, now a retired lieutenant general, said he took it upon himself to notify brigade commanders. Soon, many of his comrades were sent back to the target range.

"I guess you could say I kind of got harassed for that," he said. "But I'll tell you what? I wouldn't have done things any differently."

Foley conveyed this story Monday to students at Meade High School, as part of a broader lesson in the importance of good character. He said he defined character simply as "doing the right thing," and said he learned to make the right choices in life from his parents and his education at the U.S. Military Academy. 

"Respect and other values like that can have a very positive impact on the course of events," he said. 

Foley received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his courageous actions in battle while serving as a Company Commander in Vietnam in November of 1966. 

Meade High School Principal John Yore said hearing from Foley was a unique experience for students. 

"You don't often get to hear from a Medal of Honor winner," he said. "This is a rare opportunity."

He said the school may consider putting a character development program in place. He said he supported Foley's suggestion to incorporate the program into the current twice-a-week Teacher Advisory Period.