Medal of Honor recipient and Retired Army Captain Florent “Flo” Groberg shared his inspirational story Friday afternoon with UCLA student-athletes, encouraging them to follow their dreams, work hard, and give back.
Groberg, a former track and field/cross country student-athlete at the University of Maryland, was presented the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama on Nov. 12, becoming the 10th living recipient of the highest military award for valor in action against an enemy force.
Groberg was serving as a Personal Security Detachment Commander in Asadabad, Afghanistan on Aug. 8, 2012 when an ambush began to unfold. Groberg quickly identified a threat and pushed him away from his patrol just before the suspect released the trigger on a bomb under his vest. Groberg sustained major injuries due to the detonation and has since endured 33 surgeries on his leg, but his heroic actions saved many lives.
He shared with the UCLA student-athletes his experiences in collegiate athletics and the military and encouraged them to trust the process.
“On Aug. 8, 2012, I had eight seconds to react to a suicide bomber that was trying to kill everyone in my patrol,” Groberg said. “You know what I did? I just reacted. I trusted all those hours of waking up at 4:00 in the morning and all those days (of training). It builds this foundation and builds this individual that is potentially going to do incredible things, things that you thought you could never do. That is why there is a reason behind all the madness.” Groberg also encouraged service in whatever capacity they desire.
“Don't be a 'me' person,” he stressed. “Branch out. Help out. Figure out a way to make a difference in a person's life. That's my challenge for you - be more than just yourself.” UCLA track and field's Steele Wasik was among the group of student-athletes who left the room inspired by Groberg.
“It's not every day that you get to meet a man who, just like all of us, has gone through the rigorous life of a student athlete and then still managed to serve his country with the upmost pride,” Wasik said. “His message of hard work and achieving your goals, no matter what the circumstances, resonated through the room. He believed that all of the preparation and dedication was what led him to commit the selfless act that saved countless lives and thus was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage. I believe that what Captain Groberg represents is the True Bruin mentality.”
Following his talk with the UCLA student-athletes, Groberg was presented UCLA track and field gear and a personalized UCLA basketball jersey.