KOAA: Local veteran to visit Purple Heart Hall of Honor

Posted: 6:14 PM, Jul 26, 2019 Updated: 8:15 PM, Jul 26, 2019 By: Andy Koen

COLORADO SPRINGS — A Vietnam veteran from Colorado Springs is taking a trip to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point next month to visit the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

Franklin "Skip" Ripley was burned while serving in Vietnam after enemy fire hit a fuel bladder and caused an explosion.

His trip is paid for by the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Inc.

The group is launching a campaign this year inspired by the Honor Flights to bring Purple Heart recipients from across America to the museum dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifice. The museum is located on the same property where George Washington had his winter headquarters.

"So, there's a lot of history back there and I'm looking forward to representing Colorado," Ripley said. Ripley and his wife Kay will leave for New York next week.

The visit to the Hall of Honor takes place on August 7, which is National Purple Heart Day.