PRESS RELEASE: Local Purple Heart Recipient Robert "Buzz" Buswell to be Honored with Trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point

Knoxville Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Tennessee’s Purple Heart Recipients 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 Captain (CPT) Robert “Buzz” Buswell will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Tennessee’s representative at a multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded. The Purple Heart Patriot Project is a program of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. The all-expenses-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.

“Buzz 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 Buzz for his sacrifice and lifelong service to his community,” said Col. Russ Vernon (Ret.), executive director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.

Asked what he would tell young Americans about serving their country, CPT Buswell said, “Be prepared to be surprised. You are going to discover things about yourself and your abilities. You will meet and overcome challenges and be tested in ways you never imagined. Advancement comes from being knowledgeable. Be ready to take advantage of opportunities.”

In June 1970, then-First Lieutenant Buswell was leading a reconnaissance patrol when enemy forces initiated an ambush with a claymore and small arms fire. Buswell and another soldier were wounded. While the helicopter was evacuating Buswell and his point man, Buswell was hit again. Nineteen months of hospitalization, 27 surgeries and learning to walk to again – twice - followed. Along with his Purple Heart, CPT Buswell was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, an Army Commendation with “V” Device, and more.

After returning home, Buswell earned a Master’s Degree and worked in a number of professions, including U.S. Postal Service trainer, development officer with the Boys & Girls club, and with Knox County government. In 2012, Buswell was appointed the County’s Veterans Service Officer. Today he is the Director of Veterans and Senior Services for Knox County, a position he calls “the most personally satisfying part of my life.” Buswell is also an active member in numerous veterans’ organizations, including being a Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion. He helped charter the VVA Captain Bill Robinson Chapter 1078, which was named the “National Chapter of the Year” in 2017. His service to fellow veterans also includes involvement with the Veterans Regional Mental Health Council, Honor Air Knoxville, and Wreaths Across America. Through the United Veterans Council of East Tennessee, Inc. he established a program serving hundreds of Veterans and their guests free breakfast the first, second, third and last Saturday of every month.

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 Badge of 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, the National Purple Heart Honor Mission was instrumental in the creation of the Purple Heart Forever stamp now issued by the US Postal Service, and the organization was the driving force behind bipartisan legislation establishing the nation’s first official Purple Heart Commemorative Coin, which will be minted in 2022.

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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