Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, the New Mexico Congressional Delegation welcomed Army Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry and his wife Ashley to Capitol Hill for a ceremony where they presented him with a resolution honoring his gallantry and valor beyond the call of duty.  For photos of the ceremony, click here. For video, click here.

On July 12, Petry became the second living, active-duty servicemember to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. He received the award from President Obama in a White House ceremony attended by his family, friends, fellow soldiers and the New Mexico delegation.

Upon receiving the recognition at today's ceremony SFC Petry said, "I look forward to every day that I get up and talk about the greatness of our Armed Forces and what they're doing, both at home and abroad. So I thank you very much and thank you again for having me today. I'm almost in awe – I keep getting bestowed with such honors. And I have nothing to give back but what I can, in my job with the military and what I can do in my communities. So anything I can do, I'm humbled to do it for all of the honors that I have been given. And it's not all mine, it's everyone's in the service."

Sens. Bingaman and Udall reflected on Petry's remarkable service and character and in remarks made during today's ceremony.

"While the Medal of Honor recognizes Sergeant Petry for his actions above and beyond the call of duty, he should also be commended for his personal character of courage, loyalty, humility, and kindness.  Sergeant Petry's selflessness and dedication to the safety and well-being of his fellow soldiers is deserving of our highest praise and recognition. It is with the utmost gratitude that we honor Sergeant Petry today and thank him once again for his extraordinary service to our country," Bingaman said.

"During one of his eight — yes, eight — deployments overseas, Sergeant First Class Petry displayed the most rare and unimaginable courage. We've seen the re-enactments. We've heard the account from the Commander-In-Chief himself. Still, it's difficult to comprehend the love this man possesses for his country, and for his brothers-in-arms, to have lunged in the direction of mortal danger to shield his comrades. And what has impressed me the most about him is his persistent willingness to serve, even after all he has been through. We can all learn from his example of national service," Udall said.

Reps. Heinrich and Pearce read and presented Petry with the CongressionalResolution. Later they, along with Rep. Luján, added their praise for the New Mexico native.

"Sergeant First Class Petry is a true American hero, driving each of us to be better servants of our nation," said Heinrich. "It was an honor to recognize Sergeant First Class Petry's tremendous bravery and immeasurable service to our nation with a Congressional Resolution today."

Pearce added, "I commend SFC Petry for his incredible courage and gallantry. His selfless actions saved the lives of his comrades, and are an inspiration for all those in our armed forces.  I know I speak for my fellow New Mexicans when I say that I am proud of his service, and truly thankful for his sacrifice in defense of liberty."

Said Luján, "It was an honor to welcome Sgt. Petry to Washington to again thank him for his valor and bravery in the face of extreme danger. Sgt. Petry is a true American hero who has made the people of New Mexico proud. It was a privilege to join with my colleagues in the delegation to introduce a Congressional resolution recognizing the heroism of New Mexico's native son.  We are grateful for Sgt. Petry's dedication and love for our country and his fellow soldiers."

Petry, who was born in Santa Fe and attended the now-closed St. Catherine Indian School, was deployed with the 75th Ranger Regiment in May 2008 to capture a high value target near Paktya Province in Afghanistan. During their raid, they were engaged in a firefight with the enemy when several in their regiment were pinned down bysmall arms fire and grenades. Wounded in both legs by bullet fire and with no thought to his personal safety, Petry grabbed one of the grenades and attempted to toss it away from his fellow soldiers. He would lose his right hand when the grenade exploded, but continue to fight. It was this immense act of braverythat saved the lives of his brothers-in-arms – and illustrated once again to a grateful nation the immense courage and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.

Following eight deployments overseas – two tours in Iraq, six in Afghanistan – SFC Petry is currently assigned to Headquarters for Company, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga. with duties as a liaison officer for the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition – Northwest Region, providing oversight to wounded warriors, ill and injured servicemembers and their families. He plans to retire from the Army after many more years of service.

SFC Petry and Ashley have four children: Brittany, Austin, Reagan and Landon.