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

Avilla Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Indiana’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 Specialist 4 John Huelsenbeck of Avilla, a Vietnam War veteran, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Indiana’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.

“John 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 John 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, Mr. Huelsenbeck said, “Freedom isn’t free.”  

A graduate of Avilla High School, Huelsenbeck was drafted into the U.S. Army in July 1966, assigned to Battery C, 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery Regiment and sent to Vietnam. In July 1967, 20-year-old Huelsenbeck's was operating a “Duster,” an armored open turret tank with twin-mounted 40-millimeter cannons, in support of U.S. Marine operations in the Vietnam. While operating near the Demilitarized Zone in South Vietnam, Huelsenbeck’s unit was ambushed by the North Vietnamese Army.

In addition to his Purple Heart, Mr. Huelsenbeck received numerous commendations and awards, including the Bronze Star with V, the Army Commendation Medal with and more. Huelsenbeck and his wife, Sally, have been married for 51 years. The couple has three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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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