Press Release: Newton Purple Heart Recipient to be Honored at National Tribute Event
Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Connecticut’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 Sergeant (SGT) Michael Perron will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Connecticut’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 National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and other unique tributes.
“Michael 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 Michael 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 would want others to know about his service, SGT Perron said, “I was proud to bring the fight to the enemy after the attacks on 9/11. It is hard to match the sense of brotherhood the Army Infantry provides. Loving this country is totally separate from all the different political views.”
Perron enlisted into the U.S. Army in 2002 and served for more than four years as a member of the 10th Mountain Division and the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Division. While serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, SGT Perron received shrapnel wounds when a suicide bomber struck his platoon. Along with his Purple Heart, SGT Perron was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and more.
A software consultant, Perron enjoys alpine skiing, motorcycle riding and working on cars and trucks. He is also the State Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of Connecticut, where he continues to advocate for his fellow veterans.
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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