MT. PLEASANT, SC — “In a world of give and take, there are not enough willing to give what it takes.”

So said Lt. Clebe McClary, a former Marine, to the 2015 Medal of Honor Bowl Heroes Luncheon attendees on Tuesday at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina in Mt. Pleasant.

I was one of the several hundred in the audience that had the pleasure of listening to this Silver Star and the Bronze Star hero. Needless to say, I was moved by his words and what an inspiration he is!

Lt. McClary was introduced by Fisher DeBerry, a Hall of Fame football coach who led the Air Force Falcons for 23 years. Coach DeBerry started by advocating for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, stating that more of America’s athletes should be part of this program.

Coach DeBerry, who is coaching the defensive linemen for the American Team, thanked everyone involved with the Medal of Honor Bowl, from veterans to the players and even the volunteers that help in this event.

Coach DeBerry introduced Lt. McClary, calling him “one of America’s greatest Americans.” I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Lt. McClary speak, which is something I believe everyone should have the opportunity to do because his faith, family and humility resonated throughout his speech.

Lt. McClary explained his motivation for leaving the sidelines of the football field to join the military when he witnessed the burning of the American flag. Lt. McClary’s whimsical attitude about the loss of an eye, arm and leg, lightened the mood as he pitched a fake eye across the room as if it was the one lost during his legendary tour in Vietnam.

Lt. McClary also thanked the family of Medal of Honor Recipient Ralph H. Johnson of Charleston for his bravery and courage to devote his own life to save his comrades in Vietnam, including McClary. Charleston’s Veterans Administration Hospital – the Ralph H. Johnson VA Hospital – is named in his memory.

As a veteran myself, I thought that I had sacrificed, but was in complete awe of Lt. McClary. It is not until I reunite with Medal of Honor recipients and wounded warriors that I realize my sacrifice was indeed minuscule compared to theirs.

I was thrilled to have attended. It was terrific being with the players and coaches and locals that were there, but I remain overwhelmed with what Medal of Honor Recipients and veterans like Lt. McClary have done.

Staff Sergeant Alfonso Rogers, of Warner Robins, Ga. And the US Air Force Reserves, is a veteran student at The Citadel majoring in Sports Management.