Hosted by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Watch the Recording Listen to the Podcast

Get a CE Certificate for this edWebinar Learn more

Please watch an edWebinar interview with Medal of Honor Recipient Florent “Flo” Groberg. Captain Groberg was awarded the Medal of Honor for risking his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving in Afghanistan.

Interviews with Medal of Honor Recipients are part of the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, a free program that helps students build character and promotes responsible citizenship. The Medal of Honor is awarded for “gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one’s life, above and beyond the call of duty.” Those awarded it drew upon their deepest convictions and values in the most challenging of circumstances. Their examples of courage and sacrifice can inspire us as we face our own challenges.

Captain Groberg was awarded the Medal of Honor for risking his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving in Afghanistan. On August 8, 2012, the personal security detail Captain Groberg was leading came under attack by two suicide bombers. Captain Groberg tackled one of the bombers, saving numerous lives. As a result of his actions, he sustained the loss of almost 50% of his left calf muscle along with significant nerve damage, a blown eardrum, and a mild traumatic brain injury. Captain Groberg’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.

Here are ways you can share this inspiring story and interview with your students:

• Share Captain Groberg’s story with your class.
• Watch the recording above to share and discuss with your class.
• Take advantage of the free lessons provided by the Medal of Honor Character Development Program. For shortened activities specifically for you to use while learning has shifted to an online format, follow the Character Development Program on Facebook.
• Please note that students are not permitted to log into the recording to protect student privacy.

This recorded edWebinar will be of interest to all teachers, school and district leaders.

About the Presenter

Retired U.S. Army Captain Florent “Flo” Groberg received the Medal of Honor in 2015. Born in France, Groberg moved to Bethesda, Maryland when he was 12 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2001. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park where he competed in varsity track and cross country. In May 2006, Groberg graduated from UMD with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice. Groberg entered the Army in July 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan in November 2009. In November 2011, he was assigned as the brigade personal security detachment commander for the Fourth Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Fourth Infantry Division. He was promoted to captain in August 2012. On August 8, 2012, the personal security detail he was leading came under attack by two suicide bombers. Groberg tackled one of the bombers, saving numerous lives. As a result of his actions, he sustained the loss of 45 to 50 percent of his left calf muscle along with significant nerve damage, a blown eardrum, and a mild traumatic brain injury. Groberg spent his recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center from August 2012 through May 2015, undergoing 33 surgeries. He was medically retired on July 23, 2015. Groberg’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars; the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the U.S. Army Parachutists Badge, the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Groberg currently resides in Washington state with his wife and serves as the Director of Veterans Outreach for The Boeing Company.

Join The Medal of Honor Character Development Program community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.

The Medal of Honor Character Development Program is a curriculum resource built on the values of courage, commitment, sacrifice, citizenship, integrity, and patriotism. Its living history videos and accompanying lessons teach students that ordinary people can meet great challenges and make the world around them a better place. Each lesson highlights skills such as writing, collaboration, and critical thinking. With two available curriculum options (elementary and secondary), the resources are appropriate for K-12 students and beyond. Assignments and activities fit efficiently into existing disciplines, time periods, and schedules.