Robert "Buzz" Buswell

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, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device.

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.

In 2021, Buswell was honored as Tennessee’s representative during the Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.