Medal of Honor: Ringside Bout featuring Sgt.1st Class LaMarr Payne

Rev. Ross Engel, discusses the reception of the first Medal of Honor awarded to an African American from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. This one-on-one conversation features Sgt. 1st Class LaMarr Payne, a veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, who shares his perspective, remembering his brother in arms, Sgt. 1st Class Alywn Crendall Cashe.

Recipient of the Silver Star, SFC Alywn Crendall Cashe, has been vetted and approved for receiving the nation’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroism in Iraq which saved the lives of 6 soldiers after their vehicle struck an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). The Senate has passed legislation that would allow this upgrade to happen and as of this week, the final paperwork for SFC Cashe’s Medal of Honor has been placed on President Trump’s desk and awaits his signature!

Guest, SFC Payne (retired), served for 24 years in the infantry and served as a Platoon Sergeant as well as an instructor for men of the Iraqi Army who he trained to serve as Iraqi police. During his time in the Army, he became close friends with SFC Alwyn Cashe and was stationed with him several times throughout his long career. He and his wife remain close friends with SFC Cashe’s family, and offers insight on the valor and heroism shown by his brother.