There is a very high chance that if you know someone, be it a family member, friend, or acquaintance, and they earned the purple heart, you probably didn’t hear it from them, and they rarely, if ever, talk about it. I was well into my 40s before I found out my father had earned two Purple Hearts. When I asked him about it, his response was flatly “what good are those medals? They don’t bring my friends home.” I, obviously, did not bear witness to the hell that you endured to earn those medals, but I have seen in 50 years since that conflict ended and your return home how you have dedicated most of your life to the VA and making sure that those veterans who are in need of help get it. I know it is a commitment you bear to your friends that did not come home. To those that have earned the Purple Heart, just know that I will always be in awe of your bravery and loyalty to your brothers and sisters. There are no amount of thank yous that can cover the debt or ease the pain that you endure...