Press Release: Local Purple Heart Recipient Eden Puente to be Honored During National Tribute Event

Chicago Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Illinois’ 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) Eden Puente will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Illinois 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.  

“Eden 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 Eden 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 Puente said, “My time in service made the strongest impression on my life. It is where I found a mentor, became a leader, and understood the

true definition of teamwork. I have built bonds with those men that still carry through to this day.”

Puente was enlisted into the U.S. Army in February 2003 and served for almost four years, as a member 1/320th Field Artillery and the 101st Airborne (Air Assault). A veteran of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Puente was wounded in action in 2004 when, on his last day in country, his unit was assigned to take the Inspector General around to close the Forward Operating Base (FOB). While on the last route, Puente’s unit was hit with an IED. The blast from the bomb slammed SGT Puente’s head against the frame of the Humvee he was riding in, and he sustained injuries to my head, wrist, and lower back.

Along with his Purple Heart, SGT Puente was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and more.

Married, Eden Puente is the Midwest coordinator for the Travis Manion Foundation, which works to empower veterans and families of fallen heroes through mentorship and other programs. Eden is also an avid golfer, winning the national champion in a veteran’s league in 2022. He is also active as youth mentor.

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.