A local Purple Heart recipient has been chosen to be one of the nation’s 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) John Knott will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Alaska’s representative at the 2026 multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded.
Read MoreKnott enlisted in the Army in November 1996 and served for the next eighteen years. As a member of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, Knott served two tours in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In March 2009, during a routine night patrol in Baqubah, Iraq, an insurgent threw a grenade that detonated between SFC Knott and his vehicle Commander.
Read MorePurple Heart recipient Armando Martinez IV of Fairbanks is “stoked” to represent Alaska at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point, next week.
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