Press Release: Brier Purple Heart Recipient James Reeff Honored During National Tribute Event
Local Marine Corps Veteran Represented Washington’s Purple Heart Recipients
During the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project
(NEWBURGH, NY) – A local Purple Heart recipient was recently honored as one of the nation’s 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal (LCpl) James Reeff represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Washington’s representative at the multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded. The Purple Heart Patriot Project is a program of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. The all-expenses-paid trip included visits to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, historic Washington’s Headquarters, a special tour of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and other unique tributes.
“James and his fellow Patriot Project honorees represent the best of the best our country has to offer,” 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. These brave men and women are true American heroes. We were 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 was our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of a grateful nation. For some, it was the homecoming they never had. We received hundreds of nominations from across the country and we were pleased to honor James for his courage and service, both during combat operations and in the years since returning home,” said Col. Russ Vernon (NYARNG Ret.), the Executive Director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.
This year’s Patriot Project honorees included men and women Purple Heart recipients from World War II, the Vietnam War, Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and other conflicts, representing all branches of the service and ranging from 37 to 100-years-old. The event took place between September 18 – 22 in New York.
Asked what he would want others to know about his service, LCpl Reeff said, “I was a juvenile delinquent, and the Marine Corps made me the man that I am today. I cannot imagine where I would be today, if I hadn't served. I carry my service on my sleeve with pride.”
Reeff enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps in May 1964, serving for the next four years, including a tour in Vietnam. In August 1965, Reeff was wounded in action while serving as part of Operation Starlite. Along with the Purple Heart, LCpl Reeff was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal and more.
Reeff and his wife have been married for 48 years and the couple have two sons and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Since leaving the service, Reeff has been involved in several veterans’ organizations, including as Commander of the MOPH Chapter 12 for the past three years. He also leads a weekly PTSD Bible Study for combat veterans.
Video from the capstone “Welcome Home” rally can be found here: https://fb.watch/nqz4A4evzK/.
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located just north of West Point, New York, near the site where General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. The Badge, a purple cloth cut in the shape of a heart, was the forerunner of today’s Purple Heart medal. In addition to creation of the museum, the National Purple Heart Honor Mission was instrumental in the creation of the Purple Heart Forever stamp now issued by the US Postal Service, and the organization was the driving force behind the nation’s first official Purple Heart Commemorative Coin series, which was issued by the United States Mint 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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