Former Army Staff Sgt. Brian Willette, wounded in Afghanistan in 2010, represented Massachusetts earlier this month at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, part of a three-day all-expense-paid trip known as the Purple Heart Patriot Project.
Read MoreWhen Bud Allen was sorting through a pile of mail on his kitchen table, he opened a letter from a stranger.
It was from a high school girl in Chappaqua, New York; she wanted to say thanks.
Read MoreThirty-three Purple Heart recipients of America’s combat wounded veterans came to the New York Area this week from all across the United States for ceremonies being held to honor their valor. They went to West Point, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor and Newburgh’s Armory on National Purple Heart Day, August 7.
Read MoreNEWBURGH — More than two dozen Purple Heart recipients from all over the United States wrapped up a two-day celebration in their honor with a “Welcome Home” rally at the Newburgh Armory on Wednesday evening.
They were being welcomed not to their home but the home of the medal they received for being wounded in combat.
Read MorePfc. Michael J. Mescavage, the Pennsylvania Commander, Ret., of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, of Hamburg, is among those being honored as part of a national tribute to recipients on National Purple Heart Day.
The Purple Heart is presented to those injured or killed in combat. Aug. 6 was West Point Day for the tribute.
Read MoreThe National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Inc. is providing an all-expenses-paid trip, sponsored by American Airlines, bringing together Purple Heart recipients from each state to salute their courage and sacrifice through a series of tours and ceremonies at the U.S. Military Academy West Point, historic Washington’s Headquarters, and a “Welcome Home” celebration.
The multi-day tribute on Aug. 7 will be capped off with a special visit to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor – the museum dedicated to paying tribute to our nation’s combat wounded – on National Purple Heart Day.
Read MoreA Jasper County war veteran and Purple Heart recipient will be honored during the inaugural Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission #1, which consists of multiple events to honor Purple Heart recipients. Robert Suesakal isn’t originally from Iowa but he would tell you Iowa is his home through and through. Suesakal is originally from Oakland, Calif., but due to life’s circumstances, he found his way into the U.S. Army in December of 1982 as an infantrymen with the 82nd Airborne.
Read MoreSOUTH HADLEY — When Brian Willette’s armored vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in the heart of Afghanistan’s Laghman Province on Sept. 13, 2010, he didn’t know if he would make it out alive.
Read MoreOn August 7, 1782, General George Washington - then the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army - established the Purple Heart award, originally designated as the Badge of Military Merit.
The Purple Heart exists in its current form since 1932, and is awarded to service members "wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces".
Read MoreTORRINGTON — Former U.S. Army Major Dan Eddinger of Torrington understands the importance of honoring those who have fought, been wounded, or died for this nation.
That is why Eddinger will represent Connecticut at the inaugural Purple Heart Patriot Mission, which includes a first annual community rally on National Purple Heart Day.
Read MoreFifty-two years after returning from Vietnam, Bud Allen’s going to be welcomed home. Next Monday, the Beverly Hills Purple Heart recipient will represent Florida on the inaugural Purple Heart Patriot Mission. Allen, along with the other 49 Purple Heart recipients, will travel to New York to attend ceremonies, visit historic sites, and be honored for their service.
Read MoreAt that time, more recognition will come to yet another area veteran. Dennis Kulczyk, a North Tonawanda resident and Purple Heart recipient from service in Vietnam, has been selected to attend the inaugural Purple Heart Patriot Mission, a series of events honoring 50 Purple Heart recipients, representing each of the states.
Read MoreNEWBURGH – Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission 1, honoring America’s combat wounded veterans, sponsored by American Airlines and ShopRite Supermarkets and hosted by the National Purple Heart Honor Mission (formerly the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Inc.), will bring Purple Heart heroes from across our nation to the area in connection with National Purple Heart Day on Aug. 7.
Read MoreCOLORADO SPRINGS — A Vietnam veteran from Colorado Springs is taking a trip to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point next month to visit the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Franklin "Skip" Ripley was burned while serving in Vietnam after enemy fire hit a fuel bladder and caused an explosion.
Read MoreTOWN OF WALLKILL – Two-time Purple Heart recipient Sgt. John Peck, who has been traveling across the country telling his story of inspiration in his book “Rebuilding Sergeant Peck: How I Put Body and Soul Back Together After Afghanistan,” visited the Hudson Valley, Wednesday evening, to talk with locals about his experiences overseas that left him a quadruple-amputee and his journey to receiving a cutting-edge organ transplant.
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