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Kenneth Howe was drafted in the U.S. Army in March 1968 and became a member of the 4th Infantry Division. One year later, on March 4, 1969, SP4 Howe’s company had secured Hill 947 when they came under attack by North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Regulars. During the firefight, Howe and others were wounded by shrapnel from a rocket propelled grenade. Howe spent a total of 11- months in Vietnam before receiving his Honorable discharge in 1970.

Along with his Purple Heart, SPC Little was awarded numerous medals and commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation and more.

Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Oliver Hickok is a two-time Purple Heart recipient, receiving both medals from his time in the Vietnam War. Though he currently lives in Essex County, he's also served at recruiting stations in Kingston and Albany.

Oliver Hickok first enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in June of 1956 at the age of 17, eventually being stationed in Japan and then Hawaii, before finishing his time in Alabama. In December 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and attended boot camp at Paris Island. From there, he was assigned to Memphis, Tennessee, and then the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, before going on to Okinawa, Japan, and his first tour in Vietnam as part of Operation SHUFLY. After finishing his first tour in Vietnam, Hickok returned to the U.S. and completed several schooling opportunities including the Defense Language Institution and the Army POW Interrogation-Translation School at Fort Holabird, Maryland, before being redeployed to Vietnam with the 7th ITT.

It’s Women’s History Month. A time to highlight all the contributions women have made in history, including honoring the 3-million women who have served or are serving in the US Armed Forces. One Army veteran from Elkton has been nominated to go on a trip of a lifetime.

A Rockland County Vietnam War veteran, businessman and author of “Semper Cool,” Barry Fixler added his name to those paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of more America’s Purple Heart heroes by becoming a sponsor of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission’s 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project.

South Dakota State University Coordinator for Veterans Affairs Connie Johnson has been selected to participate in the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project, held Sept. 26 through Oct. 1.

U.S. Army Specialist Mitchell "Mitch" Reed is a Vietnam veteran and a two-time Purple Heart recipient. Reed has done a lot for veterans over the years, including helping establish Tulsa County as Oklahoma's first Purple Heart county.

U.S. Army Specialist (SPC) Mitchell “Mitch” Reed, a two-time recipient of the Purple Heart, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Oklahoma’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.

Nonagenarian Ed Phillip Evans has a fitting life Bible verse that led him to an unexpected ministry calling.
The U.S. Mission America Placement Service (U.S. MAPS) RV volunteer, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and received the Purple Heart, turns 93 in May.

Joe Wesner insists he's not a hero, but his actions say otherwise. "I just did my job," the veteran said. The 41-year-old Mansfield resident's job included tours of duty in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I am honored to have been nominated and selected for the Purple Heart Mission Trip. To be able to witness the National Purple Heart Museum in person and connect with fellow Purple Heart recipients is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was informed seven women have been selected, which means more and more women are being recognized for their service and sacrifices to our nation. I am excited to meet them at an event that honors all Purple Heart recipients from all generations,” said Johnson, who was awarded her Purple Heart in 2004 after suffering injuries as a 19-year-old in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is the state’s only registered female Purple Heart recipient.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Joe Wesner, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Ohio’s representative at a multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of American’s combat wounded.

Joe Wesner first enlisted in the U.S. Army in May of 2001 and his military career took him around the globe, including deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. On July 27, 2010, while manning an Observation Point in Dandar, Afghanistan, a group of 5 to 8 Taliban fighters opened fire on SSG Wesner’s position with PKMs, RPGs and small arms fire.

A Bismarck man is receiving national attention for his acts of valor. Robert Olzweski was chosen to represent North Dakota as an honoree of the Purple Heart Patriot Project.