Military Order of the Purple Heart Urges Designation of Ft. Bragg’s Patriot Point in Honor of Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel Robert L. Howard

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is proud to urge passage of a special provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), H.R. 4310 now being considered by the U.S. Congress. Sec. 2865 in the House version of the NDAA would name a complex being built at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina after Colonel Robert L. Howard, a Medal of Honor recipient and a true American Hero. Colonel Howard began his 36-year military career by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1956 at the age of 17. He served five tours (54 months) in Vietnam and was wounded 14 times. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Colonel Howard, a “green beret,” was awarded two Distinguished Service Crosses, America’s second highest award for valor, the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars for Valor, eight Purple Hearts and more than forty other awards and decorations for his service and sacrifice for his country.

“Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.”

Upon his retirement from the U.S. Army, Colonel Howard worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs, totaling more than fifty two years of service to our country working on behalf of members of the Armed Services, Veterans and their families. During his retired years Colonel Howard traveled to the Middle East war zones to speak to and inspire the troops. He was always a welcomed and inspirational speaker because the troops knew “he had been there.” Colonel Howard died on December 23, 2009 and was interred in Arlington National Cemetery on February 22, 2010 with full military honors.

The Patriot Point complex being developed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina will be utilized by Army special operations units, including the 3^rd Special Forces Group. MOPH believes that there is no American patriot more fitting to honor than Colonel Robert Howard, and urges the Congress to pass the legislation that would name this complex in the name of this great American hero.

The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS Program, MOPH volunteers selflessly provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA medical facilities and State Veterans Homes.

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