Medal of Honor Awarded to Army Staff Sergeant Michael Orris after 13 Years

The sister of Army Staff Sergeant Michael Orris expressed her feelings of gratitude and validation following the news of her brother being awarded the Medal of Honor. This recognition comes after a long wait; he will be honored for sacrificing himself to save others during a suicide bombing in Afghanistan. Previously, attempts to secure this honor under Presidents Obama and Biden were unsuccessful.

Kimberly Oris Rochabo described her emotions as a mix of gratitude, bittersweetness, and validation, especially when President Trump shared the news with her parents over the phone.

“After 13 years of no real acknowledgment from the federal government, his actions are finally being vindicated,” Oris Rochabo said in an interview.

Though her brother received local recognition in Staten Island and New Jersey, it took years for him to be honored federally.

Orris lost his life on August 28, 2013, while in Afghanistan, when he used his body to protect a Polish military officer during the attack. He was just 24 years old. His sister believes that he deserves recognition for saving many other lives on that fateful night.

In 2013, Oris Rochabo wrote to President Obama advocating for her brother’s recognition, but the request was denied. While the case was reopened during Trump’s administration, it was ultimately closed again under Biden.

Motivated by their loss, Oris Rochabo and her family established a foundation aimed at benefiting their community and honoring her brother’s memory. “Instead of mourning, we put ourselves into action,” she said, noting their efforts to raise funds and awareness for military causes.

Recently, they gained significant attention on social media and even had a Staten Island ferry named in honor of Orris. “Now President Trump has brought this back to light, and we’re just thrilled that the Pentagon is finally recognizing him,” she said.