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.
The Final Goodbye
A teary-eyed, George W. Bush, said his final goodbye to his father, George H.W. Bush Sr. and former 41st President of the United States, while giving his eulogy at the National Cathedral last Wednesday, December 5th. The former President passed away at his home in Houston, Texas on November 30, 2018. On this day, he took his final flight to reunite with his wife (Barbara Bush) and his 3-year-old daughter (Robin Bush).
President Bush’s casket was visited at the US Capitol Rotunda for 3 days by family, friends and thousands of citizens who admired and loved him. During the state funeral, former Presidents Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama and current President Donald Trump were present along with their wives to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes to their dear old friend.
Known as a man with a good heart, charisma, and an impressive life story… George H. W. Bush, Sr. was born on June 12, 1924 to a wealthy and politically active family in Milton, Massachusetts. He attended Phillips Academy, an elite boarding school. Then at 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, making him the youngest pilot during WWII. As a combat pilot he flew 58 combat missions and had a close encounter with death when his plane was hit in the Pacific. Shortly after, he met 16-year-old Barbara Pierce, a teenage romance that would eventually result in a beautiful 73-year marriage, the longest presidential marriage in American history. After the war ended, George H.W. Bush, Sr. graduated from Yale University with a major in Economics and moved to Texas to enter the oil business making him a millionaire by the age of 40.
In 1963, George H.W. Bush, Sr. became chairman of the Harris County Republican Party, and was later elected to the House of Representatives. He held various elected roles…
- 1971 – U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
- 1973 – Head of the Republic National Committee (during Watergate Scandal)
- 1974 – U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China
- 1976 – Director of the CIA in 1976
- 1977 – Chairman: Executive Committee of the First International Bank (Houston)
- 1979 – Director of Council on Foreign Relations Foreign Policy Organization
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With a very impressive resume, former George H.W. Bush, Sr. decided to run for President… but failed to win against Ronald Reagan. Instead, Ronald Reagan honored him with the Vice Presidency during his two terms in office.
George H.W. Bush, Sr. believed he was finally ready for the Presidency and ran once again in the 1988 election against Democratic Nominee, Michael Dukakis. George H.W. Bush, Sr. was elected 41st President of the United States of America. During that time he successfully handled various foreign affairs. He dissolved the Soviet Union and removed the Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, but his greatest presidential success was handling the invasion in Kuwait. He was a global success for these accomplishments but there were problems with the economy back home.
After his Presidential term, George H.W. Bush, Sr. made appearances in support of his son, George W. Bush, Jr. during his terms as 43rd President of the United States of America. He also appeared at events for several political causes and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He even joined forces with former presidential rival, Bill Clinton, to help Hurricane Katrina victims.
Barak Obama once said “his life is a testament that public service is a noble calling” while honoring George H.W. Bush, Sr. with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award bestowed by the President to recognize people who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States”.
In the coming years, George H.W. Bush, Sr. had several setbacks with his health and spent his time in and out of the hospital. After losing his wife in April, George H.W. Bush, Sr. got Sully, a service dog who became his best friend and companion. Over the 6 months that they spent together they built an unbreakable bond, which left a huge impression on Sully. Sully was at the funeral, next to his owners’ side until the very end.
Former President George H.W. Bush, Sr. headed back to Houston to be buried at home, close to his ranch. Our condolences go out to the entire Bush Family. This country thanks him for his lifelong service to this country.
George H. W. Bush
June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018
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.
John F. Kennedy: Purple Heart Recipient, Father, President
John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK), born May 29, 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts, was the only U.S. President in history (to-date) to receive the Purple Heart medal. Kennedy was born into a wealthy political family, travelled the world after high school, and followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a ‘Harvard Man’. In spite of JFK’S graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in government and a concentration in International Affairs at Harvard, his older brother Joseph P. Kennedy, also a ‘Harvard Man’, was tapped by their father to seek the presidency. In 1941, before beginning a political journey, both Kennedy brothers enlisted in the United States military to demonstrate their pride and service to this country.
On one fateful night of August 1, 1943, Naval Lieutenant John F. Kennedy was commanded to torpedo Japanese destroyers carrying supplies to soldiers fighting allied forces. “It was as dark as if you were in a closet with the door shut,” recalled one of JFK’s crewmen, Barney Ross1. So with only 1 active engine, little visibility, in the dead of night, phosphorescent plankton exposing every movement in the water, no radar and Japanese fighter pilots flying overhead… the brave Lieutenant Kennedy and his 13-man crew attempted to carefully make their way through the waters of the Solomon Islands on Patrol Torpedo (PT) boats. Within moments, Japanese fighter pilots dropped 2 bombs nearby, giving away their position, and a 388ft Japanese destroyer rammed their helpless wooden PT-109’s. Many of his men were injured, an engineer named McMahon was badly burned and 2 died in the attack. After swimming hundreds of miles to collect his men on what remained of his PT-109 and spending the night in enemy waters with no sign of rescue, JFK began to assert his leadership and take command. He gathered his men for a democratic vote on what to do next, whether to fight or surrender if approached by the Japanese. It is said that the crew all responded, “It’s up to you, boss”. And so, he commanded his crew to swim to the nearest island. Suffering from his own back injury, Kennedy heroically took a piece of McMahon’s life jacket in his mouth and pulled his crewmember suffering from agonizing burns for 3 miles until they reached shore. The crew spent 24hrs on an island with no fresh water, inedible coconuts, and no other food sources before Kennedy suggested they swim to another nearby island. It was there, on August 5th, JFK ran into two native men whom he handed a smooth-shelled coconut that he had carved into it “NAURO ISL COMMANDER….NATIVE KNOWS POS’IT…HE CAN PILOT…11 ALIVE NEED SMALL BOAT…KENNEDY.” Somehow, that coconut shell made its way to a New Zealand infantry patrol who came to Kennedy’s aid and helped him get in contact with his base, saving his crew.
His bravery and injury sustained during that mission would earn him a Navy & Marine Corps Medal and the Purple Heart. That experience left an undeniable mark on the man who would become the nation’s 35th president. Throughout the rest of his service, John F. Kennedy held onto that soft-shelled coconut that saved his life and later turned it into a paperweight for his desk in the Oval Office.
Almost exactly one year later, his older brother Joe met his untimely demise during a volunteer mission where he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart2. Joseph P. Kennedy’s death in 1944 would change John F. Kennedy’s course in history, as the task of seeking the presidency now fell to him, the eldest of his seven (7) remaining siblings.
JFK’s father used his political influence and boasted his son’s Purple Heart, war-hero reputation to support John’s rise to presidency but it was his humility, charisma and progressive ideology that helped him win. His campaign was a family affair, with his father’s funding, his family’s influence, and his brother as his campaign manager. His inauguration was just as family oriented, with his wife and two small children by his side the whole time. John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th president on January 20, 1961, only 17 days after his son, John F. Kennedy Jr was born. “Busy as he was with his other responsibilities, he always took time to delight in his children…the nation shared in the warmth of their family affection 3”. JFK fought for equality, civil rights, health care reform and more, while maintaining a strong relationship with his family and their faith. The Kennedy era White House was described by First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy herself, as “Camelot”, the perfect fairytale land.
However, the fairytale ended on November 22, 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated during a motorcade ride from Dallas’ Love Field to give a speech at a local Trade Mart. Along the way, three shots were fired at the motorcade, two striking JFK, and only 30 minutes later at a nearby hospital the president was pronounced dead. Jaqueline Kennedy took an active role in planning her husband’s state funeral which took place at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC. As John F. Kennedy’s flag draped casket was carried down the steps of the cathedral, three-year-old John F. Kennedy, Jr. rendered the final salute to his father.
Jacqueline Kennedy led the procession to his final resting place at nearby Arlington National Cemetery on foot and lit the eternal flame.
The last remaining member of John F. Kennedy’s immediate family is his daughter, Caroline, who remembers her father fondly. In a CNN interview she states “I’ve thought about him and missed him every day of my life, but growing up with out him was made easier thanks to all the people who kept him in their hearts, who told me that he inspired them to work and fight and believe in a better world.”4
We recognize the late president John F. Kennedy as not only a Purple Heart recipient, but as a husband, a son, a father and a good man that all others should aspire to emulate.
Happy Father’s Day.
Help last “Navajo Code Talkers” This Memorial Day!
After the recent passing of 97 year old Navajo Code Talker, Fleming Begaye Sr., the Navajo Nation will be doing something special to honor the service and sacrifice of their veteran community.
This Memorial Day the Navajo Nation in Rock Point, Arizona will be hosting a Memorial Day Celebration to honor more than 74 veterans, multiple Purple Heart recipients, 2 Gold Star Moms and the last 2 remaining Navajo Code Talkers from World War II, Peter MacDonald and Thomas Begay!
This Navajo community is a small and humble group of Native Americans that live on reservation, so they have partnered with the Purple Heart Desert Thrift Shop in Mesa, Arizona to collect donations until May 24th. 100% of ALL cash donations in store or donations online will benefit the Navajo veterans and their Memorial Day Celebration!
The Navajo Code Talkers have a unique history and are an infamous group of veterans that were recruited by the United States Marine Corps to use their native Navajo language to help maintain communication secrecy during the World War II. After the Navajo Code was developed, the Marine Corps established a Code Talking School where over 400 Navajos (Dine) were recruited as Code Talkers throughout World War II. The Japanese were never able to break these codes, that is why the Navajo Code Talkers are legendary – after WWII they were credited with helping the United States secure the Allied victory in the Pacific.
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer offered their heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Navajo Code Talker Fleming Begaye, Sr., who passed away on Friday at the age of 97 in Chinle, Arizona.
“The Navajo Nation has lost another brave and selfless Diné warrior, who sacrificed more than we’ll ever know to defend our country,” said President Nez. “We offer our heartfelt appreciation to the family for sharing his life with us. May the Creator bless you and your family with strength and comfort.”
Navajo Code Talker Begaye is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan) and born for Kinłichii’nii (Red House People Clan). He was born on Aug. 26, 1921 in the community of Red Valley, Arizona and resided in Chinle, Arizona at the time of his passing. Begaye served as a Navajo Code Talker in the Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945 and fought in the Battle of Tarawa and the Battle of Tinian. He later spent one year in a naval hospital as a result of injuries and wounds he received during his service.
Following his military service, Begaye returned to the Navajo Nation where he owned and operated “Begaye’s Corner” trading post in the community of Chinle, where he also lived with his wife and three children.
“Code Talker Begaye was a warrior, a family man, and a businessman. In every aspect of his life, he was a loving person who cared greatly for his people. Today, I ask our Diné people to keep his spirit and his family in your prayers as we give thanks for his life and his legacy,” said Vice President Lizer.
Funeral services and arrangements for Navajo Code Talker Fleming Begaye, Sr. are pending.
You can help the Navajo Nation honor Mr. Begaye’s heroic comrades, the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers, Peter MacDonald and Thomas Begay, as well as recognize dozens of other distinguished Navajo veterans and their families living on the Navajo reservation in Arizona….
Make a donation to the Navajo Nation Memorial Day Celebration at Purple Heart Desert Thrift!
100% of your donation will benefit the Navajo veterans and your donation is 100% tax-deductible! Help us honor their service and sacrifice!