PRESS RELEASE: Local Purple Heart Recipient Steven Zerger to be Honored with Trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point

Pueblo Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Colorado’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 Sergeant First Class (SFC) Steven Zerger of Pueblo, a Vietnam War veteran, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Colorado’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.

“Steven 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 a tremendous debt of gratitude 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 Steven for his lifelong sacrifice and service to his community,” said Col. Russ Vernon (Ret.), executive director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.

A twenty-three-year veteran of U.S. Army, Zerger enlisted in November 1965 and served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1971. In April 1971, while stationed in the A Shau Valley, Zerger was wounded during an enemy ambush. In addition to his Purple Heart, SFC Zerger received numerous commendations and awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and more.

Asked what service meant to him, SFC Zerger said simply, “Honor and patriotism.” Married with one child, Zerger continued to serve his community after retiring from the Army, working as a Lieutenant in food services with the State of Colorado Department of Corrections for a decade.

SFC Zerger was nominated for this special recognition by Dr. David R. Andrews, the Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s Department of Colorado.

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.

Those wishing to learn more about the National Purple Heart Honor Mission or donate to support the Purple Heart Patriot Project should visit www.PurpleHeartMission.org.

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