Did You Know About This Secret Handshake?
The Handoff
A secret handshake as you may know, typically belongs to secret clubs and organizations. Secret handshakes have developed over time, nowadays close friends, teachers and students, and athletes can be seen doing their own version of personal secret shake. These handshakes are a way to show that you are a part of a special or elite group, and that other people, well, are not. But there is one secret handshake that has been around a lot longer than your typical frat handshake, less ornate but with one very significant difference. Enter… the challenge coin.
Unless you are affiliated with the military or local law enforcement, you likely have never heard of this handshake. The reason you likely never heard of it is because of the way the coin is passed. A high ranking official walks up to a soldier and extends his hand to the soldier, they shake hands and just like that it's over! It's a quiet and discreet exchange, designed to not call attention. However, at that moment that soldier has just been honored for an important action they took in their field of duty or for their accomplishment of a mission. The unit commander just walks up and shakes their hand directly and places a small round object directly into their palm. But what does that mean?
What is a Challenge Coin?
Challenge coins are specially designed coins that are not necessarily meant to be traded. A challenge coin is a coin given to a member of a group to commemorate a moment in time. These coins are in remembrance of your time in the military. They are also used to reward or honor someone when they have achieved something remarkable. The challenge coin is of high personal value, and indeed it is a priceless thing to own. They are collectibles in which people are proud to show off in their offices or at home and each challenge coin houses a story for the person who possesses it.
Although you can find challenge coins primarily throughout military culture, that doesn’t mean you can’t find them anywhere else. Many organizations such as firefighters, local law enforcement, and even nonprofits utilize challenge coins as nod to the original uses. The Purple Heart Foundation has its own challenge coin usually given to the strongest supporters of its veteran services programs, we’ll talk about that at another time in another blog.
The tradition of challenge coins has been around for decades and even comes with its own set of rules. Stay tuned for the next blog where we dive deeper into the legacy of the challenge coin.
Guardians of Democracy
The Purple Heart Foundation prides itself in recognizing military service members throughout the years. The United States military, law enforcement and first responders are an essential part of this country as they give their lives for our freedom and our safety. This past year has been very tough for everyone due to COVID-19, but it has been especially hard on our essential workers. The Purple Heart Foundation would like to extend a heart-warming thank you to these guardians for protecting our freedom and ensuring our safety. During this Black History Month, we recognize Eugene Goodman for his heroic efforts on Jan 6, 2020 during the attack on the capital building.
Eugene Goodman was born and raised in the Southside of Washington D.C. in the 1980’s. Goodman had humble upbringings and graduated from Central High School in Capitol Heights in 1999. Many of his teachers have come out expressing how truly proud they are of him. They described him as a quiet, helpful, and well-mannered student. It is said that, without even knowing it, he took on the role of peacekeeper at a young age by breaking up fights in the lunchroom on occasion. “To save this country, I mean for this person to save this country, I just feel so connected,” one of his teachers, Mr. Banks, expressed through tears.
Not long after, Goodman joined the United States Army, serving from 2002 to 2006. During his time in service, he was part of the 101 st Airborne Division, serving in the Iraq War. He left the military as a Sergeant to later join US Capitol Police in 2008. His former unit XVII Airborne Corps said he was a hero long before the incident on Jan 6. He is truly a guardian of his city, from a very young age.
On Jan 6 th , 2021, our Democracy was attacked by rioters. Shock and disbelief are among some of the reactions that most people had, as everyone watched live on national television as the United States Capitol building was being breached. At the time, both the House and Senate Chambers we’re in the middle of certifying the official win of President elect Joe Biden and Vice President elect Kamala Harris.
The world watched in shock and prayed for the safety of everyone inside as the unimaginable happened at the Capitol that day. It seemed like a movie that went on for hours. All those defending our democracy that day are heroes, but after getting a closer look at personal videos, security footage and more, one hero stood out, and his name was Eugene Goodman.
As Goodman saw the rioter’s approach his location, without a doubt, he took matters into his own hands and tried to diverge the crowd in front of him away from the Senate Chamber while calling for back up in another part of the Capitol. Eugene used himself as bate, knowing that they were only feet away from the Senate Chambers where Vice President Mike Pence and over 100 other officials prepared for the worst. Eugene Goodman’s actions that day may have save their lives, and for that he was recognized worldwide, and awarded the Army’s Distinguished Public Service Award. Both Republican and Democratic politicians, have commended Goodman for single-handedly taking action and preventing a bigger tragedy than what they had already been living.
Following the incident on Jan 6 th , 2021, Eugene Goodman’s actions that day have been highly recognized worldwide, and for those actions was awarded the Army’s Distinguished Public Service Award. Lawmakers have also proposed a bill to award Capital Police Officer Eugene Goodman with the Congressional Gold Medal; one of the highest awards a civilian can receive. As grateful as he is, it is reported that he is also afraid he might be targeted by extremists and said he would do the exact same thing again. During the Presidential Inauguration, Goodman got to escort Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to the stage. He was promoted to Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate and was announced as such during the Inauguration where he received a standing ovation.
Eugene Goodman has become a household name since that very day. His courageous actions protected not only the people inside the U.S. Capital building, but also everything it stands for, as a symbol of democracy which is the very base of our country. Eugene Goodman goes down in history not only as a great human being but as a guardian of the city of Washington D.C. The Purple Heart Foundation is proud to recognize him as an outstanding member of society for his selfless acts, not only on Jan 6th but throughout his career. Men and women like Eugene, are the ones that keep our country safe and give us the freedom we take for granted every day. So, we thank you, Eugene Goodman, for your bravery, valor, and lifetime of service to this great nation.
SOURCES:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Goodman_(police_officer)
Paralympics Rio 2016
This year’s Olympic games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil was full of exceeded expectations, excitement, and more. In addition to Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, and other Olympians, there were 19 servicemen and women who qualified for a position on the Team USA roster–15 active-duty personnel, 2 veterans, 1 Navy civilian, and 1 incoming midshipman to the Naval Academy, including Spc. Dan Lowe, Regine Tugade, and 2nd. Lt. Sam Hendricks.
Out of all 121 medals, Army Specialist Paul Chelimo received one of the 37 silver medals awarded. Chelimo, who was born in Kenya, won the silver in the men’s 5,000 meter run. After the race, he was informed by a television reporter that he was disqualified from the race for infringement in another athlete’s lane, but the ruling was later overturned. Chelimo ran his best time of 13 minutes, 3.94 seconds, right behind Great Britain’s Mo Farah.
Chelimo was a part of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program, which he credits for being the reason he was able to compete in Rio, “I’m only here because of these Army Soldiers,” Fanning said. “That’s the reason I’m part of this delegation. But it was fun for the entire delegation to have an extra reason to cheer, not just for the United States but for the Army, so they were screaming loudly for him: ‘Who’s your Soldier? Who’s your Soldier?’”
Chelimo’s next tour will not be overseas with fellow soldiers, but throughout the United States as a trainer with the World Class Athlete Program, inspiring the youth in this country to follow their dreams.
With the Olympics at a close, it’s time to turn our attention to the 15th Paralympic Games, which will also be held in Rio. Of the Paralympians competing, there are 20 soldiers, six Marines, three sailors, and one airman across the 23 sports being showcased.
In addition to Brad Synder, a sailor who lost his eyesight in Afghanistan and holds the world record for the blind 100-meter freestyle, there is Anthony McDaniel competing in Para Rugby and Elizabeth Marks, competing in Para Swimming, among other athletes and veterans. McDaniel lost his legs and left hand in 2010 from an improvised explosive device while serving as a Marine in Afghanistan and Marks suffered severe hip injuries while an Army combat medic in Iraq in 2010, which left her with no sensation in her left leg.
McDaniel said back in 2014 that adaptive sports helped give him a sense of tranquility after spending more than a year in rehab following the IED explosion in August 2010, “It’s just been helping me stay focused and positive,” McDaniel said. “It keeps me out and active every day.”
Marks told ESPN that the medals she earns in her competitions are not the end game–to her, the process of competing is more gratifying and thinks back to helping others during her time as a combat medic, “When I step onto the blocks, I never think, ‘I want to win,’” she says. “I think, ‘I want to pour all of myself into this race because there are people who can’t physically, mentally or emotionally, do that.’ So it’s my way of performing for them.”
The Paralympics are now days away from the start of the 15th Paralympics. It runs from September 7-18. We salute these servicemen and women and are excited to see how they compete and represent the United States and their respective military branches.
The Purple Heart Foundation is committed to assisting not just the Veterans of the Paralympics, but all veterans who have served our country. Show your support for these brave men and women by making a one-time or monthly pledge to ensure Veterans continue to get the support and benefits they deserve by clicking here.
Giving Thanks for Freedom this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to look back on the year gone by and reflect what you are thankful for. Thankfulness can come in many forms–having a new job, being able to provide for your family, or keeping friendships alive. For Americans, we have an extra reason to be thankful. Men and women in uniform working overseas and domestically make it possible for us to live in a free country.
For those who are overseas during the Thanksgiving holiday, the feeling can be bittersweet. Some are in war-torn areas fighting the enemy and most are away from the comforts of home and their families. There have been 152 recognized Thanksgiving holidays since its inception and despite being in unfamiliar territory, the armed forces have tried to make Thanksgiving as normal as possible for those deployed.
Even though the first nationally recognized Thanksgiving was not observed by the military because of a shortage of resources, over the years, there has been a push to have a Thanksgiving meal, regardless of where a service member is stationed. This food is usually gathered starting in May and sent out with the temperature-controlled food taking up to three months to reach its destination.
According to the Department of Defense, this is how much food was shipped out to various military bases across the world to prepare for a Thanksgiving feast last year:
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51,699 pounds of turkey
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25,970 pounds of beef
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17,130 pounds of ham
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706 gallons of eggnog
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3,360 pounds of marshmallows
That is the equivalent to:
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17 adult female hippos
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14 1/2 Smart cars
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24 male zebras
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45 1/2 full kegs of beer
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122 gold bars
The gathering of food doesn’t just stop at traditional holiday fare either. The Oak Lawn Park district in Illinois held its 6th annual Treats for Troops drive to send leftover and extra Halloween candy to those serving overseas.
While having a hot dinner can help stave off the feeling of homesickness during the holiday season, physically being with family and friends can make the holidays that much better. Spencer Girard, a seaman stationed in Norfolk, VA won a “Happy ThanksGathering” lottery to be the only person out of all the sailors and Marines stationed to be reunited with his family for the holiday. Katherine Girard said she hadn’t seen her son in a year and a half and being with him for the holidays last November was extra special, “The way they did it was just … oh my goodness. I didn’t know Norfolk was the world’s largest naval station, but you see when you get there. They spent a huge amount of money to treat everyone to a great Thanksgiving.”
On November 5, 2016, in the Albuquerque Convention Center while being welcomed back with the 126th Military Police Company from the Middle East, Specialist Rene Lopez held her daughter Amaya as her husband Specialist Jassen Lopez looked on. The couple were deployed to Kuwait together and left their four children, ages 3 to 8, in the care of family.
“Thanksgiving has come early to the people of the state of New Mexico,” Brigadier General Andy Salas, the state Guard’s adjutant general, told the crowd. The 120 soldiers who performed custom inspections-type work in maritime ports and airports across different parts of the Middle East wasn’t due back to the United States until January.
Kristen Smith, an Army wife, understands the changing nature of spending the holidays with someone in the military. Last year, she recalled how different the past 11 Thanksgivings have been with, and without, her husband. Thanksgiving celebrations varied greatly from sitting on the couch with her son watching movies to finally having her husband home last year for a “shockingly normal holiday.” For Smith, having such different variations of celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday has helped her be grateful in a way that she “could never have understood 12 years ago.”
During this holiday season, and every season, we are thankful for the work our troops do overseas so we can enjoy the freedom we have today. The Purple Heart Foundation is committed to assisting veterans in all aspects of their lives, including helping those who are in need of assistance while transitioning home from the battlefield. You can show your support for these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country by making a one-time or monthly pledge to ensure veterans continue to get the support and benefits they deserve by clicking here.
“A Date Which Will Live In Infamy”: Remembering Pearl Harbor
December 7th marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The two hour sneak attack by the Japanese left nearly 20 American naval vessels and more than 300 airplanes destroyed. Over 2,000 lives were lost and another 1,000 American soldiers and sailors were left injured. Three days later, after Congress approved President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s request to wage war on Japan, the United States joined other nations in World War II.
Much has changed for America since that day, but the feelings that survivors have about that day have not changed. Earl Brandes, Ed Guthrie, and Lawrence Osterbuhr were stationed in Honolulu the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. Now, 75 years later, all three men are back in their home state of Nebraska–Brandes is 95, Guthrie is 97, and Osterbuhr is 96.
“We’re really comrades,” Brandes said. “There’s not too many people left our age.” The three men used to be part of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Nebraska chapter, but the group disbanded after December 2011 after the national organization decided there were too few members around to warrant a group. Since the group’s disbandment, the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, a group started in 1958, has helped to preserve the memory of those who served during the attack. “The Sons & Daughters wanted to make sure nobody forgot about Pearl Harbor,” Peg Murphy, Ed Guthrie’s daughter and the leader of the Nebraska chapter of the Sons & Daughters said.
Donald Stratton, another Pearl Harbor survivor from Red Cloud, Nebraska remembered the attack when he was a Seaman 1st Class aboard the USS Arizona. He and 1,177 shipmates managed to escape the Arizona for a neighboring ship and were spared during the attack. Stratton is now 94 years old, residing in Colorado Springs.
“The morning of Dec. 7, 1941, seemed like any other. We worked out a little bit and ate chow. I grabbed a few oranges to bring to a buddy of mine who was in the sick bay. Then I walked out onto the deck and saw some sailors congregating on the ship’s starboard side. They were looking across the water at Ford Island, an islet in the center of Pearl Harbor, and they were hollering — planes with the Japanese Zero insignia were banking through the sky.‘Oh, hell, it’s the Japanese!’ somebody shouted. ‘They’re bombing the water tower on Ford Island.’ We watched the tower fall and planes on the runway over there burst into flames,” Stratton said.
Across the nation, December 7th is a national day of remembrance. In El Paso, Colorado, Jim Downing was made a member of the El Paso County Commissioners just as a commemoration announcement for Pearl Harbor Day was announced. “My message to this generation: You are the leaders, you are the taxpayers, you are the voters, you are the legislators. Weakness invites aggression; keep America strong,” Downing said. “I want to keep America so strong that no adversary will ever think of attacking us.” Downing is one of the oldest living survivors at 103 years old.
In Hawaii, the war memorials for the attack are alive and thriving. This December 7th, people from all backgrounds will stand on Kilo Pier with the USS Arizona Memorial behind them to remember what happened. At the memorial, visitors can see pieces of metal from the downed ship in the water. The metal is still wet with oil that continuously leaks from the ship 75 years later. In addition, Hangar 79 at the Pacific Aviation Museum holds artifacts recovered from the site.
December 7, 1941 was a day of great loss for our country. It entered us into a war and the pain of the attack is still felt by survivors today. Now, we remember those who lost their lives in service to our country and try to keep their memory alive.
On December 7th, and every day, we remember the great sacrifice our soldiers and sailors made. The Purple Heart Foundation is committed to assisting veterans in all aspects of their lives, including helping those who are in need of assistance while transitioning home from the battlefield. You can show your support for these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country by making a one-time or monthly pledge to ensure veterans continue to get the support and benefits they deserve by clicking here.
The Real Story of Veteran’s Day
…The 11th hour…
…On the 11th day…
…Of the 11th month…
Hostility ceased in this moment back in 1918 marking the end of World War I.
Armistice Day was then celebrated on the 11th day of November to commemorate the beginning of this peaceful era. Nationwide there were celebrations, parades, public meetings and suspension of business for two minutes at 11am. Over the years, Congress has changed the date on which Armistice Day was celebrated, but in 1975 President Ford returned Armistice Day to November 11th, due to the significance and importance of that date.
Over 116,000 Americans defended the lives and freedom of our European allies during World War I. However, it was only after World War II and the Korean War that the commemoration of this day become known as “Veterans Day”, honoring the more than 1 million Americans who have died in all US wars.
Unlike Memorial Day which honors those members who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country; Veterans Day honors all veterans – those deceased and those living, regardless of whether they served in wartime or peace. Currently there are 1.3 million active duty service men and women, with an additional 800,000 serving in the reserves. There are approximately 21 million American veterans alive today. Many of them are like you and I…they are grandparents, parents, friends, neighbors, brothers, and coworkers. For some, there are physical signs of their sacrifice, but for others their wounds are on the inside. It is not easy coming home after everything a servicemember sees and endures. Due to the effects of Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, Military Sexual Trauma and more, an average of 22 veterans per day commit suicide.
This Veterans Day, we ask you to honor all of our veterans for their patriotism, service, sacrifice, and love of country. Make a donation to the Purple Heart Foundation!
Your contribution will help all veterans from all wars with all types of injuries. They will receive the benefits they have earned and deserve. Your contribution will fund grants, academic scholarships and so much more.
If you’re enjoying your freedom, thank a veteran by making a contribution today. The Purple Heart Foundation, honoring their sacrifice with our service.
The Honor of a Warrior – Staff Sgt. Edward Allen Carter, Jr.
Edward Allen Carter, Jr.
1916 – 1963
As Black History Month comes to an end, the Purple Heart Foundation honors the exemplary heroism, unmatched determination and commendable bravery of a young African American soldier. His actions were profound for a soldier of any race, religion, gender or creed but to happen during a time of segregation and discrimination, they are especially praiseworthy.
Lets begin at the beginning….Edward Allen Carter, Jr. was born on May 26, 1916, in Los Angeles California, but was raised in Shanghai, China. Carter knew he was destined to join the military from a young age. He attended military grade-school in Shanghai and studied languages until he became fluent in Hindi (his mother’s native tongue), Mandarin (the language of Shanghai), as well as English and German which he would later use in his military career. He began that career at the young age of 15, enlisting in the Chinese Nationalist Army. He rose to the rank of lieutenant before it was uncovered that he was underage and was discharged.
Once he turned 18, Carter attempted to join the U.S. Army but was not accepted due to discrimination. So Carter remained in Europe in the late 1930s, fighting for the Loyalists in the Spanish Civil War. He fought as a Corporal in the Lincoln Brigade until they were forced to flee to Paris in 1938. Upon his return to the United States in 1941, Carter once again attempted to join the U.S. Army and was finally accepted. He was quickly promoted to staff sergeant because of his extensive military experience.
During training in the segregated state of Georgia, Carter witnessed violence and discrimination upon African American soldiers. Many of whom were dishonorably discharged when they fought back. In order to remain in the military, Carter accepted multiple demotions in an era when African Americans were rarely allowed to be officers or even participate in combat. Racism proved to be a hindrance in Carter’s journey to follow his destiny. He volunteered to go into combat but was denied because at the time, African Americans were considered unsuitable for battle.
In 1945 however, replacements were desperately needed, so Carter once again gave up his staff sergeant stripes to volunteer as a Private and was assigned to the 56th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 12th Armored Division. Company commander, Captain Floyd Vanderhoff, recognized Carter for his experience and leadership by restoring his staff sergeant stripes and making him an infantry squad leader.
While fighting with the 12th Armored, Carter became a member of General Patton’s “Mystery Division”. He served as Patton’s personal bodyguard in the push into Germany where his actions in battle earned him a recommendation for the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor, on March 23, 1945. Carter received the Combat Action Ribbon, the Purple Heart for the wounds he sustained in action, but due to his race he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the country’s second highest military honor, instead of the Medal of Honor.
After the war, Carter was promoted to sergeant first class, but his enlistment was near expiration. During this time the Red Scare was in full effect, and therefore Carter’s request for re-enlistment had been denied due to fear that he may have communist ties from his exposure in China. He received an honorable discharge in October 1949 and lived out the remainder of his life as a family man until he passed away on January 30, 1963 at the age of 46.
Three decades later, a commission was assigned to identify unrecognized African-American heroes from World War II. Ten men were cited to receive the Medal of Honor. Edward Allen Carter Jr. was identified and recommended for honors for his actions fifty-two years after voluntarily leading a three-man group across an open battlefield. Edward Allen Carter, III received the Medal of Honor on behalf of his grandfather from President Bill Clinton on January 13, 1997. His citation read…
“For extraordinary heroism in action on 23 March 1945, near Speyer, Germany. When the tank on which he was riding received heavy bazooka and small arms fire, Sergeant Carter voluntarily attempted to lead a three-man group across an open field. Within a short time, two of his men were killed and the third seriously wounded. Continuing alone, he was wounded five times and finally forced to take cover. As eight enemy riflemen attempted to capture him, Sergeant Carter killed six of them and captured the remaining two. He then crossed the field using as a shield his two prisoners from which he obtained valuable information concerning the disposition of enemy troops, in their native tongue. Staff Sergeant Carter’s extraordinary heroism was an inspiration to the officers and men of the Seventh Army Infantry Company Number 1 (Provisional) and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.”
Against all odds, Edward Allen Catrer, Jr. fought for what was right and followed his destiny. The Purple Heart Foundation Salutes Staff Sgt. Edward Allen Carter, Jr. for service and sacrifice. This Black History Month join us in honoring all service men and women who bravely follow their destiny in the eyes of discrimination and adversity.
