A Very Honorable Man

**Cidp24** · 09-27-11, 06:58 PM

Dakota Meyer, the first living marine to receive a Medal of Honor, wants to be a New York City firefighter. The only problem is that he missed the deadline.
Meyer missed the Sept. 19 deadline because of activities surrounding his Medal of Honor win, his attorney said. The next time he can apply is in four years, attorney Keith Sullivan said.

“My client is not willing to submit an application where he’s the only one getting that benefit. He doesn’t feel he warrants extraordinary treatment,” said Sullivan. “We would not be amenable to a one person exception at this time, he is declining the offer as he feels it would compromise his values and principles.”

Medal of Honor Recipient Declines FDNY Deadline Extension - ABC News

This kid is an incredible role model for todays youth. I think FDNY would do good to reopen the application for all applicants, just to get him in the system.

**Captain America** · 09-27-11, 08:30 PM

Parents did a good job raising that one. He 's probably disqualified from law school and running for Congress now.

**Five-0** · 09-27-11, 08:59 PM

I like what I see here.

**Pudge** · 09-27-11, 09:29 PM

Good on you, Dakota.

**cajunguy** · 09-27-11, 09:38 PM

I heard that he only missed the deadline, not by weeks or days, but only by a couple of HOURS.

That's leading by example.

A Marine's Marine. Semper Fi, Sarge.

.

**Cidp24** · 09-27-11, 09:38 PM

Just found this - I think Dakota took it seriously.

Once he has earned the title and entered the Brotherhood of Marines, a new warrior must draw upon the legacy of his Corps. Therein lies his strength. In return, the strength of the Corps lies in the individual Marine. The character (often defined as "what you are in the dark") of these warriors is defined by the three constant Corps Values: honor, courage, and commitment.

Honor: Honor requires each Marine to exemplify the ultimate standard in ethical and moral conduct. Honor is many things; honor requires many things. A U.S. Marine must never lie, never cheat, never steal, but that is not enough. Much more is required. Each Marine must cling to an uncompromising code of personal integrity, accountable for his actions and holding others accountable for theirs. And, above all, honor mandates that a Marine never sully the reputation of his Corps.

Courage: Simply stated, courage is honor in action -- and more. Courage is moral strength, the will to heed the inner voice of conscience, the will to do what is right regardless of the conduct of others. It is mental discipline, an adherence to a higher standard. Courage means willingness to take a stand for what is right in spite of adverse consequences. This courage, throughout the history of the Corps, has sustained Marines during the chaos, perils, and hardships of combat. And each day, it enables each Marine to look in the mirror -- and smile.

Commitment: Total dedication to Corps and Country. Gung-ho Marine teamwork. All for one, one for all. By whatever name or cliche, commitment is a combination of (1) selfless determination and (2) a relentless dedication to excellence. Marines never give up, never give in, never willingly accept second best. Excellence is always the goal. And, when their active duty days are over, Marines remain reserve Marines, retired Marines, or Marine veterans. There is no such thing as an ex-Marine or former-Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Commitment never dies.