Press Release: Local Purple Heart Recipient Armando Martinez IV to be Honored with Trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point
North Pole Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Alaska’s Purple Heart Recipients During the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project
(NEWBURGH, NY) – A local Purple Heart recipient has been chosen to be one of the nation’s 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Armando Martinez IV will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Alaska’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, being held during the week of September 18, 2023. 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 National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and other unique tributes.
“Armando and his fellow Patriot Project honorees represent the best of the best our country has to offer,” 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. These brave men and women are true American heroes. 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 Armando for his courage and service, both during combat operations and in the years since returning home,” said Col. Russ Vernon (NYARNG Ret.), the Executive Director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.
This year’s Patriot Project honorees include men and women Purple Heart recipients from World War II, the Vietnam War, Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and other conflicts, representing all branches of the service and ranging from 37 to 100-years-old.
Asked what he service meant to him, SSG Martinez said, “It was about proving to myself and others that you can accomplish anything as long as you have the right mindset.”
Martinez was commissioned into the U.S. Army in October 2011 and served for the next decade, including time in Korea with the 9th Infantry; Fort Bliss, Texas, with the 1st Armored Brigade; Germany with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment; and Fort Wainwright with the 25th Infantry Division. In January 2020, the SSG Martinez’s platoon was designated as a “quick response force” (QRF), when the Al Asad Airbase was hit by multiple ballistic missiles. Martinez made the decision to stay on base to direct and control the squad’s movement while under the attack. After the base wase evacuated to a new location, Martinez was ordered to check for casualties and help move civilians and service members into bunkers. While on foot, a second volley started, and while Martinez and his squad were loading civilians into their vehicles, they were hit by the impact of a round. After recovering to his feet, SSG Martinez continued to give accurate directions and instructions to others, ultimately saving hundreds of lives. He suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the attack and was medevac’d out of Iraq.
Along with his Purple Heart, SSG Martinez was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Army Commendation Medal with Device, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Married and the father of two, Martinez now works at the Fairbanks Veterans Center where he helps other veterans and active-duty personnel with mental health issues.
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located just north of West Point, New York, near the site where General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. The Badge, a purple cloth cut in the shape of a heart, was the forerunner of today’s Purple Heart 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 the nation’s first official Purple Heart Commemorative Coin series, which was issued by the United States Mint 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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ABOUT THE NATIONAL PURPLE HEART HONOR MISSION
The National Purple Heart Honor Mission is an approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which supports a variety of programs to promote the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, pay tribute to our Purple Heart recipients, and educate all Americans about our combat-wounded veterans to ensure those who sacrificed for freedom are never forgotten. Learn more and support their efforts at www.PurpleHeartMission.org.