Keynote Speaker Highlights Fourth Annual Go Frank Go Day
UNION GROVE — Former U.S. Army soldier Salvatore Giunta received the Medal of Honor — the United States’ highest military declaration — for his exceptional bravery, heroism and sacrifice during a deadly 2007 Taliban ambush in Afghanistan.
While many consider Giunta an American hero, it’s a title he refuses to accept.
“I know heroes,” Guinta said. “I know the biggest, bravest, fastest, strongest. It’s not me. That’s not degrading in any way and it’s not humility either. It’s just the fact of the matter. I’ve met heroes and I’m not that guy.”
Giunta’s squad was in Korengal Valley — notoriously known as “Valley of Death” — when it was surrounded with fierce gunfire.
After pulling his wounded squad leader Sgt. Eric Gallardo to safety, Guinta noticed two insurgents carrying off Sgt. Joshua Brennan. Guinta engaged the enemy — killing one, wounding the other — and recovered Brennan.
In 2010, the Cedar Rapids, Iowa native became the first living Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War. He would later give the medal to the U.S. Army 173rd Airborne Brigade during a dedication ceremony in Italy.
“I think a lot of people get caught up on being the biggest and the best,” Giunta said. “That’s not me. I’m 5-foot-9 from Iowa. I just did everything they said I was supposed to do, the way I was supposed to do it, and the way we were trained.”
“I say this fairly often, the medal is one of the most embarrassing things that’s ever happened to me in my entire life. When you’re taking care of business, you don’t have to explain what you’re doing or pump yourself up or tell any sort of story. The medal forced me to talk about a lot of things.”
In celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, Giunta will share his journey and testament to resilience, teamwork and leadership as the keynote speaker at the fourth annual Go Frank Go Day on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Union Grove High School.
The free event begins at 5 p.m. The doors open at 4 p.m. Attendees are asked to RSVP at www.gratefulnation250.com.
The event — honoring the life of community hero Frank Lamping — features retired Oak Creek Police Department Lt. Brian Murphy and two-time U.S. Marine Corps Purple Heart recipient Michael Fischer. John Mercure of WTMJ Radio is serving as the Master of Ceremonies.
Kenosha Area Pipes and Drums Association and the Union Grove High School Choir are performing. American Legion Bixby-Hansen Post 171 is presenting the colors.
“I believe this will be a night that many of us will never forget,” said David Moyer, a member of the Union Grove-based Go Frank Go Foundation.
“What an incredible way to honor our country and the veterans who gave us our freedom during a celebration of the life of Frank Lamping, a man who not only loved his community but our great nation as well.”
Murphy will share his courageous survival story after being shot 15 times during the Sikh Temple shooting on Aug. 5, 2012 in Oak Creek.
The powerful stories highlight a daylong celebration of leadership and community involvement, honoring the life and work of Lamping.
Lamping was a member of the Union Grove Lion Club for 30 years and was actively involved in many local organizations. He continues to impact and inspire others nearly six years after dying from cancer.
“He fought and he fought and he fought,” said Cary Madrigal, a lifelong friend of Lamping and member of the Go Frank Go Foundation. “Anything that’s worth having is worth fighting for. For Frank, that was life.”
In 2022, Union Grove honored Lamping by installing his name underneath the village’s four welcome signs into the community.
Go Frank Go Day is presented by the Go Frank Go Foundation, Community State Bank, Bower Construction & Design and Union Grove High School. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
It’s the fourth straight year the Go Frank Go Foundation has welcomed a motivational speaker. Past guests include John Israel, John O’Leary and Amberley Snyder. O’Leary’s powerful story was made into the movie “Soul on Fire” featured in theaters nationwide.
This year’s event includes morning and afternoon sessions for area students and an evening event for the community. Reserved seating will be available for veterans, first responders and their families and guests with special medical needs.
For more information, visit www.gratefulnation250.com.