Organization works to return medals of valor

April 19--The Purple Heart Medal is a combat decoration awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who are wounded or killed by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.

It is the nation's oldest military honor.

An organization founded in 2012 by combat-wounded veteran active-duty Vermont Army National Guard officer Zachariah Fike was created to help retrieve lost medals of honor to veterans and their families.

The organization is called Purple Hearts Reunited Inc., (PHR) and it is a non-profit organization.

PHR has been able to locate and return more than 300 medals to date.

Recently, PHR was able to return the lost Purple Heart Medal to Sargeant Thedford Charles Staples' family during a special ceremony held on Saturday April 8 at the Krebs VFW.

Staples was killed in action in 1943 during World War II near Acquafondata, Italy.

While returning the medal, PHR Department Commander Mike Sturgill told the story of the history of the Purple Heart Medal and Staples' family members were asked to share stories of Staples' heroism. Sen. Larry Boggs was present for the ceremony.

Payne County Chapter Adjutant Gary Lewis said the PHR organization works to also raise funds for various veterans activities and to help veterans in need.

"We also help police and firemen through our fundraising and provide council for all veterans," Lewis said.

Lewis said funds are mostly raised for specific projects to help all veterans and PHR members. Lewis said he has been involved since 2011. For more information on PHR visit www.purpleheartsreunited.org.

Contact Lacey Sudderth at lsudderth@mcalesternews.com

___

(c)2017 the McAlester News-Capital (McAlester, Okla.)

Visit the McAlester News-Capital (McAlester, Okla.) at mcalesternews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.