Local Medal of Honor recipient to appear on WBGU-TV’s ‘The Journal’

It is rare to meet an actual hero, but that’s exactly what happened this past week when the crew of WBGU-TV’s “The Journal” filmed an on-site interview segment featuring Navy SEAL Edward C. Byers Jr.

Byers, 37, a native of northwest Ohio, is one of a prestigious group of servicemen and servicewomen who have received the Medal of Honor, the highest recognition for military valor. He shared his story during a presentation at his alma mater, Otsego Local Schools, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. This week’s edition of “The Journal” airs at 8:30 p.m. Thursday on WBGU-TV. (Check your local cable/satellite listing for channel information.)

Steve Kendall, host of “The Journal,” had the opportunity to talk with Byers and learn more about his actions during a rescue in the Qarghah’I District of Laghman Province. Byers, who now is a senior chief special warfare operator, and his unit rescued Dr. Dilip Joseph (an American hostage) from the Taliban at a remote location in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan in December 2012. Byers insists he’s not a hero; however, President Barack Obama thought otherwise, presenting Byers with the Medal of Honor in 2016.

Although restricted on speaking in detail about the rescue or his current military work, Byers, who is one of the youngest living recipients of the medal, does speak freely about the importance of hard work, dedication to family and community, and the responsibility of “paying it forward.” 

“There are some things he can’t or declines to discuss,” Kendall said. “But what he does talk about is fascinating.” 

Kendall said that he could have filled two “Journal” episodes speaking with Byers.

“The Journal” is WBGU’s flagship weekly public affairs program covering a range of topics relating to important local issues. The guest list includes elected officials, educators and medical personnel as well as experts in a variety of fields. The program is a BGSU student-led production, with students serving as camera operators, directors and editors. To film this particular episode, the crew traveled to Tontogany, Ohio, with camera, lighting, video and sound equipment in tow. The student crew included Salvatore Melaragno, Ian Windau, Nathanial Hersh, Henry Matthews and Olivia Hupalowsky under the supervision of WBGU staffers Mark Henning, Mike Jones and Tom Cummings.