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Gazing into another’s eyes often reveals hints of their emotions or character. But when those eyes belong to a veteran or active-duty service member, you might find yourself pondering the tales they could narrate.
Service members endure various challenges, including deployments and family separations, and some bear unseen scars, physical, mental, or emotional, long after their service has concluded.
Military personnel are often deployed to different parts of the globe. Deployments, spanning from several months to years, could involve diverse mission types, ranging from humanitarian aid to combat operations.
On August 7, we commemorate Purple Heart Day, an annual tradition to honor the valiant individuals, both past and present, wounded or perished while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Purple Heart, the oldest military medal, was instituted by George Washington in 1782.
Sergej Michaud, currently the manager at the Central Processing Facility for the U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz’s Department of Human Services – Military Personnel Division, learnt about his Purple Heart award while recuperating in a hospital bed.
Michaud served in the U.S. Army from 2003-2012, during which he completed three tours in Iraq. His second tour in Iraq (2006-2008) was with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, part of the 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division based in Fort Bliss, Texas.
On December 24, 2007, while assigned as the rear gunner in a Humvee convoy navigating through west Baghdad, an improvised explosive device (IED) struck Michaud’s platoon.
Michaud vividly remembers the ominous stillness of the usually bustling marketplace, just a few blocks from their base camp. After spotting a suspicious figure on a nearby building, his worst fears came true. The blast resulted in severe injuries, including a ruptured temple, internal bleeding, and partial vision loss.
Despite his injuries, Michaud served a third tour in Iraq, which he recalled as considerably less harrowing.
Emphasizing the importance of mental resilience, Michaud encouraged the newer generation of soldiers to face and overcome adversities. He believes that dealing with hardships creates a robust mental strength and fosters self-reliance.
While combat situations can be immensely stressful, Michaud stressed the role of mental fortitude in forming and preserving united teams. Even though one can’t fully prepare for war, you learn to adapt and cope, he mentioned.
Acknowledging Purple Heart Day brings attention to the toll war exacts on veterans and their families. It underlines the need for providing them with the necessary support and resources for a fulfilling post-service life.
Around 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded since 1782. Each recipient is celebrated for their gallantry, selfless service, and above all, their sacrifice for our nation.
On this Purple Heart Day, and every day, we extend our deepest gratitude to our own Sergej Michaud and all the courageous men and women who bear the scars of war in their pursuit of our nation’s freedom.
Source: US Army
