Etheridge Presents Purple Heart to Dunn Soldier Wounded in Iraq

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) presented the Purple Heart to Sgt. Mason Poe of Dunn at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center today. Poe, who is a Marine reservist, was wounded in Iraq last month when his Humvee was hit by a roadside bomb. Poe suffered skull, neck, back and leg fractures and a collapsed lung.

"It is a great honor for me to present this Purple Heart to a true American hero - Mason Poe," Etheridge said. "This young man's service exemplifies the strength, courage and character of America. He is a testament to his family, his community and his country. God bless Mason Poe and all North Carolina's sons and daughters serving around the world."

Poe is a 1999 graduate of Triton High School and a firefighter with the Dunn Fire Department. He served four years as an active-duty Marine before returning to Dunn. His fellow firefighters and all of Dunn have prayed for his speedy recovery.

Poe is the son of Joe Poe, an Army veteran who retired after 20 years of service. Joe Poe served in the Gulf War and was the first veteran in the country to receive VA disability benefits for Gulf War Syndrome. Mason Poe's brother, Joseph Poe, is a Marine gunnery sergeant.

Etheridge visited Iraq in April to meet with troops from Fort Bragg and the N.C. National Guard's 30th Heavy Separate Brigade.