Honoring Sacrifice: Celebrating Purple Heart Month with Gilchrist

August is Purple Heart Month, a time when Gilchrist pays tribute to the brave men and women who were wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Officially observed on August 7th each year, Purple Heart Day is a testament to the courage that General George Washington recognized in 1782 when he established the Badge of Military Merit, now known as the Purple Heart.

Introducing Don Kyle: A Veteran of Valor

Among the esteemed recipients is Don Kyle, a Gilchrist Veteran Volunteer whose service and sacrifice epitomize the courage and resilience this medal represents. Enlisting at the age of 22, Don’s military journey began shortly after he graduated from the University of Tennessee. His early days in the Army took him from basic training in Missouri through Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Oklahoma to the dense jungles of Vietnam as part of the Fourth Infantry Division Artillery.

A Day of Bravery

March 21, 1967, marked a critical moment in Don’s service. During a fierce North Vietnamese human wave assault, his unit faced overwhelming odds—seven to one. Despite the danger, they held their ground, preventing the enemy from capturing their crucial artillery. The battle left 32 of his comrades fallen and 198 wounded, including Don himself, out of the 400 engaged.

Awards and Decorations

Don was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his wounds received in action. His military accolades didn’t end there; in recognition of his valor and service, he was decorated with multiple honors. He received the prestigious Bronze Star for Valor for his bravery under fire. Additionally, his contributions to the military effort were acknowledged with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and the Vietnamese Service Medal. The government of South Vietnam also awarded Don’s unit, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, for their exceptional performance during combat, and they received the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism. Furthermore, Don’s proficiency in weaponry was recognized as he was rated an expert with a rifle and a sharpshooter with a pistol.

Shaped by Service

Don’s post-military life has been as impactful as his time in service. His experiences in Vietnam profoundly shaped his worldview, instilling in him a deep appreciation for life and a commitment to peace. The lessons learned during his military tenure—perseverance through adversity, responsibility for his actions, the importance of achieving goals, the value of teamwork, and the effectiveness of training—have deeply influenced his approach to resolving disputes and fostering understanding in challenging situations. This commitment led him to mediation and conflict resolution after serving in the federal government for over three decades.

Continued Service at Gilchrist

Today, Don continues to serve his community through Gilchrist by participating in the We Honor Veterans Task Force. Gilchrist’s We Honor Veterans program is designed to thank veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service to our country. Veterans like Don offer salute-to-service ceremonies to our hospice veteran patients. They arrive in uniform and conduct a formal ceremony, presenting our patients with a military service lapel pin, certificate, and hand-knit American flag blanket. This unique program gives pride and peace to our veteran patients while bringing together family and friends to celebrate their loved one’s military service.

As we reflect on Purple Heart Month, we commemorate the sacrifices of those like Don and recognize the ongoing contributions of these heroes in our communities. Their stories are not merely of past battles fought but of continuous service and leadership that inspire and enrich our lives every day. Join us in honoring every Purple Heart recipient this August by recognizing their bravery and the enduring sacrifices they have made in the name of freedom and duty.

To learn more about our We Honor Veterans Task Force, visit: https://gilchristcares.org/services/hospice-care/specialized-hospice-programs/whv/