Johnson announces “Badges of Honor” initiative for veterans to obtain the service medals they’ve earned
Washington,
Oct 14 -
On Saturday, October 25th U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) will kick off the “Badges of Honor” initiative to help veterans obtain the service medals they’ve earned. The event will take place on Saturday, October 25th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Grand Texan in McKinney located at 2491 Country View Lane.
Veterans needing assistance with personal medals, campaign medals or service medals are asked to bring a COPY of their DD214. Congressional staff will be available to assist with the paperwork needed to begin the service medal request process.
Typically veterans will seek a replacement medal or ribbon if they lost them in a move. In some cases, veterans earned a service medal and did not know that s/he rated the new commendation because s/he had moved on to a new duty station or left military service before the medal commendation could be awarded.
For example, in 2001 Johnson presented Plano’s Gildas McDowell with long overdue medals for his heroics as a Prisoner of War in World War II. Gildas retired from the military in 1974.
In 2001, Johnson gave Maximo Fernandez of Garland a Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster for his valor in the Army in World War II.
“We have a whole new generation of men and women coming home from war. Sometimes they rated medals and never pinned them on. I’m here to help,” said Congressman Johnson.
In the event a veteran or family member of a veteran can not attend this event, the interested parties should contact Johnson’s office in Richardson for assistance at 972-470-0892.
A 29-year Air Force veteran, Johnson served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He spent nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War, more than half of that time in solitary confinement.
A decorated combat veteran and war hero, Johnson was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, and three Outstanding Unit Awards.
Saturday, October 25th
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Badges of Honor initiative
U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas)
The Grand Texan
The Ballroom
2491 Country View Lane
McKinney
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