SFC Richard Stayskal thanks well-wishers during a reception hosted by the American Legion Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT – SFC Richard Stayskal said he wishes he really were as cool as everyone in Longport makes him sound. Although serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, getting injured, re-enlisting in the U.S. Army and becoming a Green Beret has given him the opportunity to “do something with his life,” he’s still just “a giant kid,” he said.
Stayskal, American Legion Post 469’s 2020 Wounded Warrior Week recipient, was honored Sunday, Sept. 20 at a military styled reception attended by public officials from all levels of government, veterans and supporters. The event was held at Caffe Luciano Lamberti, a waterfront restaurant and marina just outside Longport.
Although it was a bit windy and chilly, Stayskal’s remarks warmed the hearts of those in attendance.
He said he was wasting his parents’ money in college before Sept. 11, 2001 and watched a movie portraying the selfless sacrifices made by members of the U.S. armed forces, which motivated him to join the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was deployed to Iraq as a machine gunner and scout sniper until he was seriously wounded by heavy insurgent fire that tore through his arm and lung but fortunately missed other vital organs. After his recovery, he was honorably discharged and started life as a civilian. He married his wife Megan, became a father, and yet, “nothing felt right,” he said.
He was motivated by the Army medic who saved his life on the battlefield to re-enlist, this time in the U.S. Army, where he sought the training to become a Green Beret.
“He put in my chest tube and kept me from dying. I felt obligated to do it,” Stayskal, 39, told the crowd gathered to honor him.
He earned a Purple Heart for his injuries and a Bronze Star for bravery, along with other prestigious service medals. On Sunday, he was presented with numerous proclamations from county, state and federal officials, a U.S. House of Representatives challenge coin, and the key to Longport Borough.
“To me it was not a job, it was a life I loved. I got to play with guns, bombs, jump out of planes. I was a giant kid and loved every bit of it,” he told veterans and contributors who enabled the Post to provide him and his family with a weeklong, all-expense-paid vacation packed with activities for him and his family.
From left, SFC Richard Stayskal, Carly, 11, Addisyn, 13, and wife Megan.
According to Post Commander Larry Pacentrilli, Stayskal caught several stripers on a fishing trip and one of them was a keeper. The chef at Caffe Lamberti took that fish and cooked it up special for Stayskal to enjoy during the dinner portion of the reception.
Stayskal said he tries to live his life in a way that honors his comrades who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“I lost so many friends. I’ve tried to make sure the life I led, and I have made lots of mistakes still, but that they would be proud of what I did because they didn’t get a chance to do any more of it. I did it in their name and their honor,” he said.
In the aftermath of his injuries, which left him with pain, limited motion, and PTSD, he was subsequently diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that requires intensive treatments that render him debilitated at times. However, he has not failed to see that his experiences have led to some of the greatest things in life – the love of family, friends and even strangers.
“Coming here is by far one of the best things. I’ve met some of the best people on the planet,” he said. “This will be one of the most special moments of my life. I will forever remember and cherish this.”
Many of those presenting honors said they were in awe of Stayskal and his service.
State Sen. Chris Brown, who is also an Army veteran, called Stayskal, “an American stud.”
“The fact you served in Iraq in the Marine Corps earned you that title, but the fact you volunteered to be a Green Beret in the Army makes you a super-American stud,” he said.
“We love you, we care about you, America cares, you’re all great Americans,” he told Stayskal’s wife Megan and daughters Addisyn, 13, and Carley, 11.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew said he often has the opportunity to meet exceptional people who do more than most, but when he thinks of someone who served, got hurt and decided to go back, “that is what American exceptionalism is about,” Van Drew said.
“You represent the fabric of America, the greatness of America, the strength of America, the loyalty of America,” Van Drew said. “He is a great American.”
Van Drew presented him with a proclamation, challenge coin and said he would tell Stayskal’s story on the floor of the House of Representatives, which will be held forever in the Congressional record.
Stayskal is the Legion’s ninth Wounded Warrior Week recipient. He was selected for the honor by the military. He and his family will return to North Carolina on Tuesday with great memories to cherish and many new friends who will hold the Stayskal family in their hearts forever.
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