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)
Doing right by Ms. Wright
In March 2020, as the deadly coronavirus quickly spread all over the world, the Purple Heart Foundation started to pivot it’s focus on programming to better help the veterans being affected by the pandemic. 43 of the 50 states, that make up these United States of America, shut down and/or issued a stay-at-home order to prevent the virus from spreading to more people quicker. However, these necessary health precautions made it difficult for businesses to keep paying their employees, or even to stay open much longer. Many businesses closed or downsized, causing the unemployment rate to reach unprecedented levels for most tradesman and service-related jobs…ideal jobs veterans sought out in order to utilize their skills, work with their hands, and start new careers after their service. Once these statistics became clear, the Veteran Assistance Grant program was born.
The Purple Heart Foundation’s Veteran Assistance Grant program was created to cover emergency debts a veteran might be facing due to the extreme circumstances created by the coronavirus pandemic. The program was designed to bridge the gap for veterans in-need.
For example, U.S. Air Force disabled veteran, Ms. Wright, became unemployed in April 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Her car was inoperable, and she couldn’t afford to fix it and continue to pay for Uber rides to and from interviews and the grocery store while she looked for work. The Purple Heart Foundation was able to collect all Ms. Wright’s information regarding her situation and approve her for a Veteran Assistance Grant to help pay for her car repairs. Ms. Wright can now search for employment and still meet her other monetary responsibilities without spreading herself too thin, financially or otherwise.
After receiving her grant, we caught up with Ms. Wright and this is what she had to say:
“Thank you for not only awarding this amount, but thank you for being there for veterans in their times of need. Feeling unsure about what’s going to happen with my car, this amount awarded allowed me the security of being able to maintain having a car, which is a critical part of accomplishing daily needs. Even though these circumstances affect everyone in our country, it’s an honor to know we can be there for each other even during a pandemic.”Ms. C. Wright (Las Angeles, CA)
The Purple Heart Foundation does not receive government funds and relies 100% on donations from supporters like you. This holiday season, with coronavirus numbers peaking again, we expect even more veterans in situations like Ms. Wright’s will need your help. The Veteran Assistance Grant could prevent veterans from becoming homeless in these cold winter months or prevent a veteran from having to choose between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table.
With your gift of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more, you could help more veterans like Ms. Wright feel the security of having a support system to tackle the struggles they are facing during these difficult times.
Help make this holiday season a little easier for a veteran facing hardships. Or, if you (or someone you know) are a veteran facing a similar situation, please apply for assistance with the Purple Heart Foundation today.
COVID-19: Affecting America’s Veteran Population
At the Purple Heart Foundation, we have been monitoring the spread of COVID-19 just like all of you. As you may know, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the spread of the coronavirus as a “Pandemic”; a situation nobody was prepared for. And now the coronavirus has officially hit home… all 50 states have verified cases of the coronavirus. However, this country was founded on the characteristics of bravery, courage and strength… so this too, we shall overcome.
Although everyone is at risk, the most vulnerable are those with underlying health conditions and those over 50 years old, including a community of over 13 Million military veterans across the country. We fear for the safety and health of our nation’s veterans during this pandemic.
So as our nation endures the trials and tribulations of this critical time, we urge you to remain a united front. Everyone is at risk, so be do your part.
As you prepare for social distancing and potential quarantine, we ask that you don’t forget about your family, your community, those less fortunate, and the veterans that fought for our freedom.
This is the time for you to step up. Reach out to the veterans in your family or community and be the hero in their lives.
The coronavirus is highly transmittable and must be taken seriously.
However, while the rest of the world is telling you to wash your hands and don’t touch your face (which is medically sound advice and we agree), we want you to remind you of the following as you prepare for self-quarantine during the spread of COVID-19:
- Adults +50yrs, with underlying health conditions are at high risk.
- Call and check on older adults and veterans.
- Don’t Panic. We can get through this together.
- Those at high risk may need assistance getting food, medicine and other supplies. Be there for others, or if you need help, ask for it.
- Offer to be a veteran’s emergency contact to give advice, help contact family, or call for emergency services, if needed. Offer to be a lifeline.
At the Purple Heart Foundation, we believe that right now the safety and well-being of veterans is of the utmost importance. To learn more about how to give veterans a fighting chance against COVID-19, visit:
www.purpleheartfoundation.org/resources.
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!