SoCo Hero Soldier

A very special honor for one Southern Colorado soldier. Nicholas Moody talked to me about what prompted the military to award him with the Soldier’s Medal. This medal is awarded to someone serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army who distinguishes himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.

Moody will never forget the raging river in Afghanistan in June 2011. An army vehicle in front of his, rolled. He took off his gear and dove into the water. Moody said, “What crossed my mind is that I had to get across the river and that I had to get to the guys as soon as possible to make sure the guys were alive inside the truck.”

Nicholas and one of the soldiers inside the vehicle yanked open a 500 pound door.
One of the men was saved. Four others died in the rollover.

Nicholas told me that he sees this medal for its underlying meaning, “I’m just able to do anything that I can put my mind to if I apply myself and keep on it I can accomplish great things.”

Specialist Moody is now in the Army Reserve. He told me that he was a struggling student at Lewis Palmer High School. He graduated in 2007. Nicholas always wanted to be a soldier. He believes he can excel in this career. The Soldier’s Medal just reinforces that can do spirit.