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Thank You, Purple Heart Veterans

Al Marzano, U.S. Marine Corps and Vietnam Veteran
“All of our Veterans need to start using the VA. The docs here really understand the military and the issues that come with our service. Michael would be proud to have the clinic named after him. He’s probably looking down saying, ‘Wow, thank you guys!’” - Al Marzano, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam Veteran, and Purple Heart recipient (The clinic is named after his son who was killed in action due to an explosion in Iraq)

This August, the Butler VA held a special recognition event for Purple Heart Veterans at the Micheal A. Marzano (Mercer County) VA Clinic.

Purple Heart Day is celebrated on August 7 and honors the brave men and women who were severely wounded, or gave their life, while serving our great country. First observed in 2014, the day gives us a chance to reflect and honor the bravery of those who fought and risked their lives for the United States.

History of the Purple Heart

The Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed in action and is the oldest military award still given to members of the U.S. military. George Washington presented the first medal, then called the Badge of Military Merit, in 1782 to recognize bravery in combat. During World War II, the Purple Heart was used to honor service members who suffered combat injuries or who died in battle.

Today, Purple Heart eligibility also includes injuries or deaths resulting from terrorist attacks or service as part of a peacekeeping force. While requirements to receive the medal have changed over time, the Purple Heart is one of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Celebrating our local Purple Heart Veterans

This August, the Butler VA held an outreach event celebrating Purple Heart Veterans at the Clarion County VA Clinic, and a recognition event for them at the Michael A. Marzano (Mercer County) VA Clinic. 

Bob Marquette, X-ray Tech and Veteran, spearheaded the event in Mercer County, sending out invitations, coordinating refreshments, decorations, and purple heart tokens for attendees. 

“The event resulted in a beautiful day full of fellowship, Veterans sharing stories with one another, and a birthday party for one of the staff’s favorite Purple Heart recipients who recently turned 99,” shared Lauren Regis, CBOC Clinical Nurse Manager. “Veterans thanked the staff for the event and bringing this group of Veterans together. It was one of those days that remind the staff why they are here and why they do what they do every day.”     

Al Marzano, U.S. Marine Corps and Vietnam Veteran was one of the Purple Heart recipients in attendance. He was awarded the Purple Heart from shrapnel in his arms, back and legs caused by an RPG blast. The clinic is named after his son who was killed in action due to an explosion in Iraq. 

“All of our Veterans need to start using the VA. The docs here really understand the military and the issues that come with our service,” he said. “Michael would be proud to have the clinic named after him. He’s probably looking down saying, ‘Wow, thank you guys!’”

John Durisko, U.S. Army and WWII Veteran also attended the recognition event. The Purple Heart was awarded to him due to a knee injury during the Battle of the Bulge caused by shrapnel while taking care of fellow soldiers’ medical needs. John was also captured and became a Prisoner of War (POW) for eight and a half months. 

“I love my VA team. I tell them what I need, and they make sure to get it for me,” John shared. “Veterans not using the VA should. You need to get the benefits you’ve earned.”

Larry Hawthorne, U.S. Marine Corps and Vietnam Veteran echoed John’s thoughts on the VA. 

“I use the VA for everything, it’s great. Get registered and use it, that way when you need it, you have it.”

Larry was awarded his Purple Heart for a gunshot wound through the femur while in the DMZ on May 29, 1967. He has been using VA health care for 50 years. 

Benefits to Purple Heart Veterans

Purple Heart recipients are eligible for VA benefits to include the following:

  • Health care
  • Compensation
  • Education
  • Home Loan Guaranty

Purple Heart recipients are eligible for commissary and exchange privileges. Many states also offer benefits and services to Purple Heart Veterans, family members, caregivers and survivors. Please know that you may be eligible for VA disability compensation for any injuries you sustained in service or related to service. More information on how to submit a disability claim can be found here: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/.

 

To all Purple Heart recipients, our Nation is grateful for your selfless service.