Honoring Those Who Paid A Steep Price For A Purple Heart

PANAMA CITY, FL – The Purple Heart Medal is a powerful symbol, one of the most revered military honors in the United States. This decoration, recognized by its distinctive purple ribbon and heart-shaped design, symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and resilience. The medal is bronze, featuring George Washington's profile, bordered by a purple enameled heart and a gold rim. The Purple Heart was specifically designated for those wounded or killed in combat, to honor their sacrifice.

On August 7th, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8205, the Riders and the Auxiliary held a Ceremony to honor the sacrifices of all veterans including the forty people on their Purple Heart Medal Honor Roll.  Todd Boling, Post Commander, introduced Anna Marie Morris, Riders Chaplain and Auxiliary Senior Vice President, who read an inspiring prayer of her own creation.  Boling asked Rutherford JROTC Cadets to post the colors and Karen Custer, Auxiliary Trustee, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Boling recognized two World War II veterans who were present, 97-year old Roy Trueman and Daniel Wagner, only 94 years old.  He also introduced Judi Ross, Auxiliary President; Bob Dalton, Riders President and Janet D’Allesandro, VFW Post 12046 Commander.

Janet Pattison, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col), USAF, retired, graciously presented a fascinating history of the Purple Heart Metal which prepared all present to appreciate the sacrifices of those who would be honored during the Ceremony.

Seven Purple Heart veterans were presented with a beautifully designed challenge coin by Larry “Birddog” Tyndall, Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders: 

Boling recognized thirteen local Purple Heart veterans who were unable to attend:

James Cofer, Albert “Butch” Turcotte, Matthew Pate, Dianne Rich, T, (Talmidge) Wayne Markham, Jr., Bob Long, Donald J. Adsit, Russell Roderick, William Edward Keller, Zachery Haglund, Don Scott, Calvin “Beau” Mahurien and Dale Clark.

Boling recognized four courageous men who sacrificed everything for their country:  

Boling recognized six brave men who are no longer with us: 

Boling recognized ten Purple Heart veterans whom we could not locate: 

One person who was not recognized during the ceremony but who certainly deserves our prayers is Gloria Taft, who has lost 5 relatives with Purple Hearts and also has one dear friend with a Purple Heart:  Jacob Gonzalez, KIA; Daniel Majors, KIA; David Gonzalez, deceased; Alex Gonzalez, deceased; Jimmy Gonzalez, deceased; and Dale Clark, who was unable to attend.

As our speaker, Lt Col Pattison stated, “We are reminded that freedom often comes at a steep price paid by those willing to face the battle.”