(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris present a Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal today to Specialist Alex Love for the injuries he sustained while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to present Specialist Alex Love with his Purple Heart,” said Cathy McMorris. “He deserves to be recognized and thanked for his courageous service to our country. We should never forget that the men and women who fight for our country and serve our military are truly American heroes.”

On January 4th, 2005, a vehicle borne explosive device detonated close to the barracks that (then) Private First Class Alex Love was in. This powerful explosion destroyed a nearby Iraqi National Guard checkpoint and the shockwaves from the explosion imploded all the windows of the barracks. Love was treated for injuries to his upper body and back and later returned to active duty.

McMorris’ office worked with the Veterans Outreach Center to help secure the award for Love, who did not realize that he was eligible for a Purple Heart until he returned to the United States. McMorris’ office and the Veterans Outreach Center obtained the paper work needed to prove Love’s injuries and on November 2nd, 2006 the Department of the Army awarded Love with the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal.