JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON –
Spc. Giovanni S. Cook was honored for his bravery during a Purple Heart ceremony at the Warrior and Family Support Center Sept. 6.
Col. Kyle D. Campbell, commander of Brooke Army Medical Center, opened the ceremony followed by Lt. Gen. Robert P. Lennox, principal deputy director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Office of the Secretary of Defense, who presented the medal and certificate.
"I want to say how proud I am to be here. This is my third Purple Heart presentation and it's an honor for me to be here today to honor Spc. Cook's courage and personal sacrifice," Lennox said. "Only one percent of the nation today serves and we owe you a great deal of thanks for your service."
Cook was injured July 13 when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device while he was conducting a mounted patrol in Afghanistan.
"I would like to thank all the Soldiers who have received Purple Hearts in the past and the fortunate ones that are able to be here with us today," Cook said.
"Thank you for supporting my family and obviously the hospital's support," Cook added. "And thank you for supporting my unit, which is now home safely."
Following the ceremony, Lennox visited with wounded warriors at the Center for the Intrepid, toured the Burn Center and visited with inpatients and their families at San Antonio Military Medical Center.
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.