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Presidential Message Released Commemorating National Purple Heart Day, 2020

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President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have released a Presidential Message commemorating National Purple Heart Day, 2020. 💜

Presidential Message on National Purple Heart Day, 2020

“General George Washington established the Purple Heart—then known as the Badge of Military Merit—238 years ago today to recognize meritorious service in action during our Nation’s war for independence. Today, the Purple Heart is reserved for military service members wounded or killed in action. On this day, we pay tribute to these men and women, who have suffered and sacrificed so much for our Nation.  The Purple Heart medal, in its present form, bears the profile of General Washington. An American hero of unparalleled stature in our history, George Washington not only inaugurated this award, but he exemplified the uncommon courage, valor, and devotion to our Nation showed by all who receive it. As we commemorate the establishment of one of our Nation’s highest honors, we also reaffirm our support and admiration for the remarkable heroes of America’s Armed Forces.

GENERAL JACK KEANE

President Trump Presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to General Jack Keane, 2-10-2020

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General Jack Keane was presented our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in a ceremony held in the East Room of the White House.  March 10th,2020. Those in attendance included a lengthy list of high profile leaders including:  Secretary Mike Pompeo, Secretary Mark Esper, Attorney General William Barr, Secretary Dan Brouillette, Senator Lindsey Graham, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, and General Keith Alexander. The White House in a press release provided the following information (watch the entirety of the ceremony in the provided video). https://youtu.be/rSBDo90ICfk

Jack Keane was born in 1943 into a family with a strong tradition of military service. His father served during World War Two as a Marine in the Pacific theater.

First Lady Cathy Justice

Youth salute to veterans ceremony hosted by WV Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice, November 8th, 2019

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Governor Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice hosted a “Once and Future Patriots West Virginia youth salute to veterans” ceremony at the WV Capitol Complex’s Culture Center Theater on Nov. 8 in advance of Veterans Day.  Complete video of event can be seen blow. The West Virginia National Guard’s 249th Army Band performed patriot songs throughout the afternoon, and WV Arts, Culture & History Curator Randall Reid-Smith served as the programs host. On display at the ceremony were 20 winning cards submitted by school children from West Virginia for First Lady Cathy Justice’s Thank a Veteran contest. Children from the third, fourth, and fifth graders from 54 schools from across WV (from 24 counties) created over 2,700 cards for this years First Lady’s Artist Series.

Congressional Medal of Honor

President Trump Presented the Congressional Medal Of Honor to MSgt Matthew Williams, US Army, October 30, 2019.

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President Trump, congressional leaders & military leaders (including 5 previous MOH recipients) gathered in the East Room of the White House to present the nations highest military award to Master Sargent Matthew Williams, US Army, Green Beret. https://youtu.be/toldy_f5kUY
President Trump Presents the Medal of Honor to MSgt Matt Williams, US Army

MSgt Williams was presented the Congressional Medal of Honor (MOH) for outstanding acts of gallantry and heroism, while serving in Afghanistan on April 6th, 2008. He went above the call of duty to save many lives, while putting himself in harms way. MSgt Williams grew up in the small town of Boerne, Texas. During the ceremony President Trump read the citation of award to those in attendance before presenting MSgt Williams the MOH.

Uncategorized

Jumping Back In – How an Old Paratrooper Became a Soldier Again After 30 Years in Corporate America

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Back in the day – 1985, to be exact. I joined the Army and became a young, enthusiastic paratrooper who was totally convinced of not only my own superiority, but also my invulnerability. Aren’t all 20-something paratroopers going to live forever? I very much enjoyed my time in the Army, and nearly three years in what was at the time West Germany. A few years later, I had planned to reenlist, but the thought of not being with my aging parents brought me back home and into the WV National Guard near the end of the 1980s.

Army

Iraqi Freedom Soldier SSgt Travis W. Atkins Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor (posthumously) at White House ceremony on March 27, 2019

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President Donald J. Trump awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 .  

Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions of June 1, 2007, in support of IRAQI FREEDOM. SSgt Atkins’ son Trevor Oliver and family will be with the Commander-in-Chief at the White House for the presentation. https://youtu.be/cOl4cmhf37U

The Army YouTube video below is about SSgt Atkins’ Final Mission. https://youtu.be/3O9fCxI0NAA

The White House’s press release with SSgt Atkins’ personal background is provided at the bottom.

Army

Iraqi Freedom Soldier SSgt Travis W. Atkins will be Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on March 27, 2019

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President Donald J. Trump will award the Congressional Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 .  

Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins will posthurmously receive the Medal of Honor for his actions of June 1, 2007, in support of IRAQI FREEDOM. SSgt Atkins’ son Trevor Oliver and family will be with the Commander-in-Chief at the White House for the presentation. The Army YouTube video below is about SSgt Atkins’ Final Mission. The White House’s press release with SSgt Atkins’ personal background is provided:

Office of the Press Secretary, For Immediate Release,March 12, 2019President Donald J. Trump to Award the Medal of Honor               On Wednesday, March 27, 2019, President Donald J. Trump will award the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry.

California

Watch Live: President Trump awards Congressional Medal of Honor (MOH) to Sergeant Major John L. Canley, USMC (Vietnam Veteran-Retired)

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President Donald J. Trump awards the Congressional Medal of Honor (MOH) to Sergeant Major John L. Canley, United States Marine Corps (Retired), for conspicuous gallantry. Sergeant Major John L. Canley receivd the MOH for his actions from January 31 to February 6, 1968, while he was ssigned to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines while in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Major Canley fought off several enemy attacks as his company moved along a highway toward Hue City to relieve friendly forces who were surrounded. On several occasions, despite his own wounds, he rushed across fire-swept terrain to carry wounded Marines to safety. After his commanding officer was severely wounded, he took command and led his company into Hue City.