Washington, DC (October 29, 2007) – Tomorrow, Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) will join Hidalgo County leaders to honor the service and celebrate the arrival home of Staff Sergeant Daniel Peña. The Weslaco resident was awarded the Purple Heart and the Combat Action medals this past Friday at Andrew Air force Base in Maryland. Rep. Hinojosa will present the medals and SSgt Peña will deliver remarks at his alma mater Weslaco High School.

SSgt Daniel Peña was assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary security forces squadron conducting Police Transition Team Operations.  He was responsible for coaching, mentoring, and training members of the Iraqi police.  He conducted security operations for senior Iraqi Government Officials and diplomats for the United States Embassy in order to enable Iraqi police to take the lead for domestic security in Baghdad, enforce the rule of law, and establish a secure environment to enable Iraqi self reliance.

On July 3, 2007, SSgt Peña’s squad was en-route to Al Doura Police Station when his truck was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device.  After sustaining serious injuries to his arms and legs, SSgt Peña was evacuated to a combat hospital. Over the next several months SSgt Peña received numerous operations to his arms and legs. Three and half months later, standing tall, SSgt Peña returns home to Weslaco. 

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in the world in use and the first American award made available to the common soldier. It was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by one of the world's most famed and best-loved heroes-General George Washington. It is The Purple Heart is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.

The Combat Action medal was created to recognize Air Force members who were engaged in air or ground combat off base in a combat zone. This includes members who were under direct and hostile fire, or who personally engaged hostile forces with direct and lethal fire.