NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Thank you for your service!
A pair of Ohio National Guard soldiers were awarded with the Purple Heart earlier this week. Their recognition comes after injuries they sustained during an Iranian missile strike against the Al Asad Airbase in Iraq, which happened back on Jan. 8, 2020.
The two receiving the honor during a ceremony at the Akron-Canton Airport earlier this week include:
- Staff Sgt. Aaron Futrell of Canal Fulton
- Sgt. Tristan Meyers of Clinton
“I am grateful for the benefits that come with the Purple Heart, and I am deeply appreciative of the treatment I have received to get back to normal in lieu of these injuries,” Meyers said.
Both were deployed with the 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment based in North Canton.
“The award has promoted healing by providing closure to the event,” Futrell said. “I am proud of my service and even though it was cut short, I am happy to have served in this organization with so many great people.
Capt. Michael Knott, their commander during the deployment, praised Meyers and Futrell for their actions on the day of the attack.
“These guys remembered their training during times of complete chaos and selflessly executed their duties without fail, for which I could not be prouder,” Knott said. “Their diligence and commitment to our mission helped to bring each and every one of our Soldiers home safely and I will forever be grateful for that.”
The Purple Heart medal is awarded to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action during combat.
Information provided by Stephanie Beougher of the Ohio National Guard Public Affairs.
MORE HEADLINES:
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated article on Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, 2022.
