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Asked what service meant to her, SPC Horn said, “It was an absolute honor to serve my country. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences I had and the skills and values I picked up during service. The Army established a strong foundation of professionalism, among other valuable skills, that have shaped me as a person.”

Asked what service meant to him, COL Smith said, “My military service provided me an opportunity to give back to our great country. There is no calling higher than service to the country. The experience taught me to understand the true meaning of trust – trust in each other, whether he or she is in the next fighting position or flying as part of your flight crew. It is something that is never talked about but everyone who has ever served in combat clearly understands. Veterans, particularly combat veterans share a bond that few will ever fully appreciate.”

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A Knoxville Army veteran has been chosen to represent Tennessee’s Purple Heart recipients as part of the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project. Robert “Buzz” Buswell will take a trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor at West Point later this year.

U.S. Army Captain Robert “Buzz” Buswell will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Tennessee’s representative at a multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded.

Captain Robert "Buzz" Buswell served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was wounded twice in June 1970 after an ambush attack. He spent 19 months in the hospital and underwent 27 surgeries before he relearned how to walk.

U.S. Army Captain (CPT) Robert “Buzz” Buswell will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Tennessee’s representative at a 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.

“I was proud to wear the uniforms,” Rupp told NBC5 news. “I’m proud to say I’m a Veteran.”

U.S. Army Captain Lawrence “Larry” Rupp received a Purple Heart following two tours (1968-1971) serving in Vietnam. Its the United States’ oldest military medal – honoring Veterans that have been wounded or killed during battle.

U.S. Army Captain Lawrence "Larry" Rupp served two tours in Vietnam, receiving shrapnel wounds in January 1969 during a pair of attacks just two days apart. In May of that year, Rupp also suffered a gunshot wound while he was pursuing a Vietcong carrier.

Lawrence Rupp served two tours in Vietnam, first between 1968 and 1969 and then again between 1970 and 1971. In January 1969 Rupp received shrapnel wounds during attacks just two days apart. In May of the same year, Rupp suffered a gunshot wound while pursuing a Vietcong carrier. Along with his Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, CPT Rupp was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with four over-seas bars, a Silver Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and more.

Marine Staff Sgt. Oliver Hickok of Moriah, a former Albany resident, is a two-time Purple Heart recipient who represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes from New York state 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.

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.