4 Ways to Give Back

 

There are a few days throughout the year when we think about or officially recognize veterans and service men and women. But there are ways to give back to current and former members of our military every day of the year.

Say thank you.

When you see a service man or woman in uniform, or a person wearing something that identifies them as a veteran, take a minute to say hello and thank you. You don’t need to make a big, dramatic gesture; just let them know you appreciate their service. If they feel like talking, take the time to listen to their stories.

Hire a vet.

Do you own a business? Consider hiring a veteran. You can work with the United States Department of Labor’s VETS Program, or similar nonprofit organization that helps vouch for and place qualified veterans in businesses.

Stay informed.

Only a fraction of U.S. citizens currently serve, and few Americans have personal contact with members of our military, causing a disconnect between the military and the civilian worlds. Take some time to get informed about the issues facing our troops and veterans. Follow veteran organizations on social media, and learn about how you can help.

Make a donation.

When you donate to the Purple Heart Foundation, your generous gift helps us to support veterans and their families during their transition from the battlefield to the home front.

Our programs and those to which we award grants support hundreds of thousands of our nation’s heroes. There are many ways you can make a tax-deductible donation.

We often get asked how we use your donations. Here is a snapshot. If you want more information, give us a call; we would be happy to share it with you.

We use your generous donations

  • To help fund research and assistance that tackle the unseen wounds impacting veterans, things like Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI); suicide, and sexual abuse
  • To fund Purple Heart’s Service Officers, who are stationed throughout the country to work with veterans informing them about education opportunities, scholarships, disability compensation, employment training, hospitalization and rehabilitation benefits, pensions, and more
  • To employ a full-time attorney dedicated to protecting the interests of wounded servicemen and women and presenting veterans’ claims before a court

 


Raising Awareness About Post Traumatic Stress

In WWI it was called Shell Shock; in WWII, Battle Fatigue. Korean War veterans were diagnosed with War Neurosis, and Vietnam vets with Post-Vietnam Syndrome. Whatever you call it, Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), as it’s now known, continues to affect hundreds of thousands of veterans.

Today is PTSD Awareness Day, a day to speak up about post-traumatic stress, a condition that’s underreported, misdiagnosed, and, so often, misunderstood.

PTS BY THE NUMBERS:

  • 10-13% of combat veterans experience post-traumatic stress in their lifetimes.
  • Studies estimate that 1 in 5 military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan has PTS.
  • PTS affects to 20% of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans; 10% of Gulf War veterans, and 30% of Vietnam War veterans.
  • 17% of combat troops are women; 71% of female military personnel develop PTS due to sexual assault within the ranks.
  • The number of diagnosed cases of PTS in the military jumped 50% in the past year.

SEPARATING MYTH FROM FACT

The psychological scars of post-traumatic stress may be invisible, but its manifestations are not. Left untreated, it can lead to depression, drug and alcohol abuse, or suicide. Despite its prevalence, post-traumatic stress is often ignored, misinterpreted, and sensationalized by the media.

Listening to the stories of veteran experiencing post-traumatic stress can help us separate myth from fact.

 

MYTH: People begin experiencing PTS immediately after a traumatic event.

FACT: Sometimes symptoms surface months or years after a traumatic event or returning from deployment.

 “ I was sober and clean almost 11 years, and I just couldn’t handle it no more, you know, my life. I couldn’t hold a job. I always had problems sleeping…very irritable, the whole bit. Plus, my family was always telling me I should go get some help.”

Richard Adams

US Navy ((1971 – 1972))

SN, Ammunition Transporter

Vietnam

MYTH: Service members can never fully recover from PTS.

FACT: When people seek help and maintain a treatment program, post-traumatic stress symptoms can be managed or overcome entirely.

 “My ability to overcome the situations that cause me to act negatively and not beneficial to me, are up to me, and I continue to seek treatment. I want to make a choice, not have my depression make the choice.”

 


Traumatic Brain Injury and the Importance of Connection

Often referred to as the signature injury of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among veterans is higher than it’s ever been. The most common cause of TBI among Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom service members is injuries suffered from Improvised Explosive Devices, or IEDs, used extensively against Coalition Forces.

Many people who sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury recover completely. However, in severe cases, a traumatic brain injury can cause emotional and behavioral changes that can be difficult to understand and accept.

A traumatic brain injury affects the entire family and often results in financial challenges, job loss and isolation. In the United States, 1.7 million people sustain a TBI each year. Whether you have suffered a TBI or are caring for someone who did, understanding you’re not alone is critical, the best thing you can do is reach out.

Join a group

Meeting in person with other people with similar experiences can be cathartic. There are several places to find groups in your area.

Meetup.com has many brain injury and veteran meet ups across the country.

The Brain Injury Association of America has local chapters and various support groups throughout the U.S.

Share your story

When you can share your story and hear the stories of others, you realize there are people out there who understand what you’re going through, who can commiserate, or help put things in perspective. Luckily, the internet makes sharing easier than ever.

Brainline Military is an organization that serves the military community providing information, resources, and support for current and former service members and their families living with traumatic brain injury. Read the personal stories of military members living with TBI, and share your own.

A quick search for “Facebook TBI support group” turns up a handful of pages where you can connect on Facebook and be part of the conversation.

Get Informed

Knowing about traumatic brain injury—the symptoms, treatment options, and benefits you’re eligible for as a veteran or active duty military—will allow you to thrive, not just survive with this condition.

Take a look at our list of TBI resources.

Find resources in your state.


Servicemen and Service Dogs: A Life Saving Connection

Our servicemen and women have to restart their lives upon returning home from battle. These new challenges can present circumstances far different from those of war. Facing these challenges head on can be daunting for many. Easing back into society can tough, especially for those who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). According to the Veterans Administration (VA), between 11-20% of veterans during Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF) have been diagnosed with PTS in a given year.

There are a variety of ways to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible. One of those methods is pairing a Veteran with a service dog. Suffering from PTS can leave an individual feeling isolated from family and friends. Depression and other emotional disorders can surface as well. The method of service dogs is to provide the veteran with a companion trained to help them with basic needs. However, the animal is indirectly re-teaching the veteran how to care for someone, using emotions as communication, and even how to love.

“We think pet dogs, therapy animals and service animals all have a role to play in peoples’ health and veterans’ health. This is all good news. A cold nose is a powerful motivation to get up in the morning,” said Stave Feldman, executive director of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute Foundation. Mr. Feldman discussed studies between the animals and veterans to The Military Times in a recent article.

“He brought me back from the brink,” said Veteran Colonel Roger Lintz, (US Army – Retired)  of his Service Dog – Niles. Living with PTS does take time to accept that life may not be the same. This veteran, who honorably served his country, was able to find true companionship with his new four legged friend. Niles was able to help him with remedial tasks around the house and would wake him from nightmares. These nightmares and other issues with PTS nearly became too much to handle. Col. Lintz believes that his companion saved his life when suicidal thoughts started to cloud his mind. Watch the full interview:

The American Psychology Association and The Society Military Psychology have found that this alternative method could help nearly 40% of veterans. Especially those who do not show signs of improvement after participating in treatments such as prolonged exposure (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), which are considered the “gold standard” for treating PTS.

Maj. Todd Olsen had participated in multiple tours of duty since enlisting in the Army in 1989. However, coming back after his last mission sent his life into a tailspin. He was suffering from multiple symptoms of PTS, rebuilding a relationship with his two boys, and filing for divorce from his wife.

Some servicemen and women will attend the actual trainings with their service dog. They get to watch them go through obstacle courses, learn commands, and how to save lives. This, in a way, gives the veteran a sense of purpose again. Their life and bond matter as much to the service dog as the service dog means to them.

Maj. Todd Olsen of Pennsylvania told The Daily Progress that, “It’s not so much training the dog, it’s training the veteran and then pairing them up together. So we weren’t teaching them basic obedience, we were learning the commands and the dogs were learning how we give the commands.”

There have been few in-depth studies about the dynamic between a service dog and PTS. However, The Veterans Administration believes that veterans can experience some needed benefits by owning an animal or being paired with a service dog. The VA also counsels that veterans should speak with their doctor and family before applying for a service dog.

What are the emotional benefits of having a dog?

Dogs can make great pets. Having a dog as a pet can benefit anyone who likes dogs, including people with PTS. For example, dogs:

  • Help bring out feelings of love

  • Do things that are different from natural dog behavior

  • Do things that the handler (dog owner) cannot do because of a disability

  • Learn to work with the new handler in ways that help manage the owner’s disability

  • Are good companions

  • Take orders well when trained. This can be very comfortable for a Servicemember or Veteran who was used to giving orders in the military

  • Are fun and can help reduce stress

  • Are a good reason to get out of the house, spend time outdoors, and meet new people

(Source: The Veterans Administration)

Maj. Todd Olsen continues his transition into “civilian life” by working with his service dog and attending yoga classes. He says, “With the yoga for veterans and the dog, and continuing treatment at the VA, it’s putting me back together.”

The Purple Heart Foundation has provided funds to service dog programs totaling $75,000 over the years. The Purple Heart Foundation remains committed to assisting veterans in all aspects of their lives, including service dog programs, other rehabilitative programs, and disability benefits. 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.


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

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

 

 


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.


Honoring Purple Heart Month

As we begin the month of August, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to

Purple Heart Month!

This month is dedicated to paying our respects to all the brave men and women wounded or killed in combat. The official Purple Heart Day is observed on the 7th day of August each year, commemorating the historic day in 1782 that General George Washington, Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army, commissioned the first Purple Heart Medal, originally called the Badge of Military Merit.

The Badge of Military Merit is a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk bound with a thin edge of silver with the word merit embroidered in silver across the face. Only 3 Badges of Military Merit were awarded. The Badge of Military Merit was redesigned and re-commissioned in 1932 by General Douglas McArthur in honor of George Washington’s bicentennial birthday. Now known as the Purple Heart Medal – it is the oldest military award, first being awarded to soldiers in World War I and still given to soldiers today.

A presidential order signed in 1942 permitted the Purple Heart Medal to be awarded to all branches of the military including the U.S. Coast Guard. It was World War II, when the qualification to receive the Purple Heart Medal changed to honor those who were wounded or killed in combat – that is why it’s recipients often call it “the medal that nobody wants”. It is unknown how many soldiers actually received it. However, we know that the soldiers listed below are some of the most awarded Purple Heart Recipients in history:

Robert T. Frederick, U.S. Army: World War II (8)

David H. Hackworth, U.S. Army: Korean War (3), Vietnam War (5)

Joe Hooper, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor: Vietnam War (8)

Robert L. Howard, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor: Vietnam War (8)

William Waugh, U.S. Army: Vietnam War (8)

It took the Purple Heart medal many years to evolve into what it is today.  Today, on the reverse of the medal, “FOR MILITARY MERIT” is inscribed. The medal itself is made of brass with a gold color to it, and also contains a bust of George Washington and his coat of arms. The purple color represents the blood of all those who have made sacrifices in war, but traditionally it represent the courage of those who serve. The original color of the medal George Washington created was purple, so it was only fitting that it would be used to honor his memory in the new medal.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) was formed in 1932. It is composed exclusively of men and women who have received the Purple Heart Medal and is the only Veteran’s Service Organization whose membership is comprised solely of “combat-wounded veterans”.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, also known as the Purple Heart Foundation, was later created in 1957 as a non-profit organization. For more than 60 years, the Purple Heart Foundation has solely dedicated itself to funding programs and services that support our nation’s heroes. Donate to show your support of the Purple Heart Foundation and to help us continue to serve our nation’s veterans who have already sacrificed so much.

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