Scott's View: West Point’s Own Mike Krzyzewski and Honoring our Medal of Honor Heroes

We hope you enjoy this week’s HeroVet profile of Mike Krzyzewski, the long-time coach of the Duke Men’s basketball team. When we first named him a HeroVet in 2015, we recognized his nearly 40-year run winning championships, being a mentor to hundreds of star athletes, and serving as a role model for West Point cadets.

Now, as “Coach K” has announced his retirement, we reflect on his extraordinary record. Not many will ever reach his level of achievement as a head coach - over 1,100 wins at West Point & Duke, 5 NCAA championships, and three Olympic gold medals. 

Speaking of heroic stories of service, I was thrilled to hear the story of retired U.S. Army Col. Ralph Puckett, a Korean War Army Ranger, who finally got the recognition he deserved with the Medal of Honor last month. It was a touching moment to watch the 94-year old Puckett push his walker away to stand on his own to receive our nation’s highest military medal in a White House ceremony last month.

As a board member of the Congressional National Medal of Honor Foundation, I have joined my veteran colleagues in perpetuating the legacy of these significant Americans. We also honor each of them, their spouses and widows with a lifetime subscription to VetRewards.