Press Release: Local Purple Heart Recipient Michael Goff to be Honored During National Tribute Event

Bismarck Air Force Veteran Chosen as North Dakota’s Representative for the 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project

(NEWBURGH, NY) – A local Purple Heart recipient has been chosen to be one of the nation’s 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant (MSgt) Michael Goff will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as North Dakota’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.

Selected from among hundreds of nominees and deserving candidates for their courage and service, both in combat and in their communities, this annual all-expenses paid ‘Honor Flight’-style salute will bring together Purple Heart recipients from across conflicts and generations. The multi-day Patriot Project Mission, scheduled for April 27 – May 1, 2026, will feature visits to historic sites, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; a private tour of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor; time at historic Washington’s Headquarters, where the Badge of Military Merit originated in 1782; and the 9/11 Memorial. Other special tribute events are also being planned.

“Michael and his fellow Patriot Project honorees represent the best of the best our country has to offer,” said Jeremy McVey, Chairman of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. “These honorees represent a true cross-section of America and the diversity of our combat wounded through the decades. They answered the nation’s call and then kept on serving. This is our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of a grateful nation, especially for our Vietnam veterans, the Patriot Project provides proper homecoming they never received.”

“These Patriot Project missions recognize the sacrifices made by our Purple Heart recipients and honor those who never made it home. They provide an invaluable opportunity for these heroes to bond with other combat wounded to help with healing, understanding and of course, know that this nation will never forget their sacrifice,” said National Purple Heart Honor Mission Executive Director Colonel Russell O. Vernon (Ret). “We received hundreds of nominations from across the country, and we look forward to honoring Michael for his courage and service, both during combat operations and in the years since returning home.”

This year’s Patriot Project honorees include men and women from all branches of military service, who sacrificed for America and then went on to be leaders in their communities and professions. 

Asked what his service meant to him, MSgt Goff said, “My military service was without a doubt one of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and awe-inspiring times of my life. I met some of the finest people in the world and had experiences I never imagined. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my country, and if I could, I would do it again.”

Goff enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on June 1, 1978, serving at George AFB (California), Osan AFB (Korea), Beale AFB (California), Bitburg AFB (Germany), and Eglin AFB (Florida). He earned his Purple Heart after being wounded in the June 25, 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. As he slept, the force of the explosion blasted his window and air conditioning unit into his room, causing shrapnel injuries to his back, arm, and neck. Nineteen Airmen were killed, including twelve from his unit. Goff later assisted with morgue identifications.

Along with his Purple Heart, MSgt Goff received the Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor and two devices, the Air Force Achievement Medal with one device, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three devices, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal with one device, the NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with one device, the Kuwait Liberation Medals (Kuwait and Saudi Arabia), the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and four devices, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five devices, and numerous additional ribbons and citations.

Married and the father of four children, MSgt Goff now works as an automotive service writer. Goff enjoys camping with his wife, playing golf, working on household projects, and building and racing his digital slot car track.

The Purple Heart Patriot Project provides an all-expenses paid trip to Purple Heart recipients from across the country to visit the museum dedicated as a tribute to their service and other historic sites connected with the Purple Heart. Located just north of West Point, New York, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is housed 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. These powerful visits provide a unique opportunity for our Purple Heart veterans to connect with other recipients and experience the appreciation of a grateful nation committed to ensuring their courage and sacrifice is remembered for generations to come. Project Missions are supported by individual, foundation, and corporate donations.

In addition to creation of the museum, the National Purple Heart Honor Mission was instrumental in the creation of the Purple Heart Forever stamp, and the organization behind the U.S. Mint’s official Purple Heart Commemorative Coin series, which was issued by the United States Mint in 2022. Today, the organization is developing the National Purple Heart Traveling Tribute and Education Center, which will tour the country bringing the stories of our heroes’ service and sacrifice to communities across the nation.

Those wishing to learn more about the National Purple Heart Honor Mission or donate to sponsor the trip for our Purple Heart heroes should visit www.PurpleHeartMission.org.

###

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PURPLE HEART HONOR MISSION

The National Purple Heart Honor Mission is an approved 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose strategic objective is to pay tribute to our nation’s combat wounded and killed in action through special outreach and educational programming. Through Purple Heart Patriot Project Missions, celebration of National Purple Heart Day and other public events and programs, we engage people of all ages by telling the stories of our nation’s heroes. Learn more and support their efforts at www.PurpleHeartMission.org.