PRESS RELEASE: Local Purple Heart Recipient Robert Sodergren to be Honored with Trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point
Harwinton Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Connecticut’s Purple Heart Veterans as Part of the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project
(NEWBURGH, NY) – A local Purple Heart recipient has been chosen to be one of the nation’s 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Robert Sodergren of Harwinton, a Vietnam War veteran, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Connecticut’s representative at a multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of American’s combat wounded. The Purple Heart Patriot Project is a program of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. The all-expense-paid trip includes visits to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, historic Washington’s Headquarters, a special tour of the newly renovated National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and other tributes to service.
“Robert and his fellow Patriot Project honorees are true American heroes,” said Richie Lay, a Purple Heart recipient and chairman of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. “America’s Purple Heart veterans have given so much to defend freedom and that sacrifice must always be remembered. We are privileged to be able to provide this unique salute to service for our Purple Heart heroes.”
“Our Purple Heart recipients have made enormous sacrifices for America and this is our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of a grateful nation. For some, this will be like the homecoming they never had. We received hundreds of nominations from across the country and we look forward to honoring Robert for his lifelong sacrifice and service to his community,” said Col. Russ Vernon (Ret.), executive director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.
When asked what his service meant to him, SSG Sodergren said, “Service helped me overcome challenges and develop as an individual.”
Sodergren served on active duty for three years, from 1965 to 1968, including time with the 101st Airborne Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade. During Operation Junction City, SSG Sodergren was on a recon patrol when he was ambushed. During the attack, Sodergren suffered a shrapnel wound to the head. In addition to his Purple Heart, Mr. Sodergren received numerous commendations and awards, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Army Commendation Medal and more. After being discharged, he started his own contracting business. Robert and his wife, Maureen, have three children and six grandchildren.
Robert Sodergren was nominated for this recognition by Daniel Eddinger, the 2019 Purple Heart Patriot Project honoree from Connecticut and the Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of Connecticut.
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located just north of West Point, New York, at the site where General George Washington first awarded the Medal for Military Merit in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. The badge, shaped like a purple heart was the forerunner of today’s medal. In addition to creation of the museum, supporters of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission were instrumental in the creation of the Purple Heart Forever stamp now issued by the US Postal Service, and are leading the effort in Congress to pass the National Purple Heart Commemorative Coin Act.
Learn more about the National Purple Heart Honor Mission and find a complete list of the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees at www.PurpleHeartMission.org.
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