PRESS RELEASE: Local Purple Heart Recipient Harrison Manyoma to be Honored with Trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point
Cannel City Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Kentucky’s Purple Heart Veterans as Part of the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project
(NEWBURGH, NY) – A local Purple Heart recipient has been chosen to be one of the nation’s 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Army Sergeant Harrison Manyoma, an Iraq War veteran, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Kentucky’s representative at a multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of American’s combat wounded. The Purple Heart Patriot Project is a program of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. The all-expense-paid trip includes visits to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, historic Washington’s Headquarters, a special tour of the newly renovated National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and other tributes to service.
“Harrison and his fellow Patriot Project honorees are true American heroes,” said Richie Lay, a Purple Heart recipient and chairman of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. “America’s Purple Heart veterans have given so much to defend freedom and that sacrifice must always be remembered. We are privileged to be able to provide this unique salute to service for our Purple Heart heroes.”
“Our Purple Heart recipients have made enormous sacrifices for America and this is our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of a grateful nation. For some, this will be like the homecoming they never had. We received hundreds of nominations from across the country and we look forward to honoring Harrison for his lifelong sacrifice and service to his community,” said Col. Russ Vernon (Ret.), executive director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.
Asked what service meant to him, Mr. Manyoma said, “I gave what I could to my country to make sure that my family, friends and this country can remain free from evil. I would do it again.”
Originally from Houston, Texas, Harrison Manyoma, the son of Franklin Manyoma (Father) and the-late Luz Edelman Manyoma-Bermudez, joined the U.S. Army in April 1999. In July 2004, while on a routine patrol in West Baghdad, the vehicle Sgt. Manyoma’s was traveling in was right next to a suicide car bomber as it exploded. As the smoke cleared, Harrison heard the enemy engaging with AK-47s. Manyoma sprang into action, providing first aid to his medic and then returning fire to hold off the enemy. As a result of the initial bomb, Harrison suffered from third degree burns to his right hand, fingers, arm and forearm, a ruptured ear drum, blurred vision, and memory loss.
In addition to his Purple Heart, Mr. Manyoma received numerous commendations and awards including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and more.
Sgt. Manyoma was honorably discharged in 2005. Today he lives in Cannel City, where he works with the Heroes to Heroes Foundation. He is also a Pastor and mentor for young people and fellow combat veterans. Manyoma was nominated for the Patriot Project by Ryan Sabinish, the former State Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of Minnesota.
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located just north of West Point, New York, at the site where General George Washington first awarded the Medal for Military Merit in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. The badge, shaped like a purple heart was the forerunner of today’s medal. In addition to creation of the museum, supporters of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission were instrumental in the creation of the Purple Heart Forever stamp now issued by the US Postal Service and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act which was recently signed into law and will be produced in 2022.
Those wishing to learn more about the National Purple Heart Honor Mission or donate to support the Purple Heart Patriot Project should visit www.PurpleHeartMission.org.
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