JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Johnson, Brooke Army Medical Center commanding general, presented the Purple Heart to Sgt. 1st Class Charles Graham during a ceremony held in the Purple Heart Garden at the Warrior and Family Support Center March 3.
“Today I am very proud to present the Purple Heart to Sgt. 1st Class Graham,” Johnson said.
The general also welcomed Graham’s parents, who came from Lake Waccamaw, N.C., to attend the ceremony.
“My sense is that there was nothing that was going to stop you from being here at this ceremony,” Johnson said. The general highlighted the fact the family belongs to the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe, known as the “People of the Falling Star.” The tribe has a rich history dating back to 1712.
“They have a very proud heritage,” Johnson said of the Graham family. “Eight generations who have served our country and three Purple Hearts within this family now. That demonstrates the significant contribution this family has made to our nation and likely is indicative to the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe and how they look at giving back to their country as well.”
Johnson also thanked Graham’s wife and her mother for being there to support Graham.
Graham enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard in June 1997 after he finished high school. He served three years in the U.S. Army National Guard then went to active duty Army.
Graham deployed three times – once to Kosovo and twice to Iraq, before being selected by U.S. Army Recruiting Command, where he became the leader running two large recruiting centers. He is currently assigned to the BAMC Warrior Transition Battalion.
“Sgt. Graham, thank you for your service to our country,” the general said. “Thank you for answering the call and stepping forward, standing tall, in defense of our nation.”
On Nov. 19, 2005, Graham was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor, 2-28th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, serving as an indirect fire infantryman fire direction center chief in Iraq at the Forward Operating Base. The unit was struck with indirect fire mortar rounds, resulting in his combat injuries.
“The mortar came in on me and exploded about 10 feet in front of me,” Graham said. “I don’t remember anything after that.”
The general acknowledged the award should have come sooner, but said he was glad Graham was able to receive it now.
“While the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe is known as the ‘People of a Falling Star,’ today, Sgt. Graham, your star is burning brightly long into the Southwest sky,” Johnson concluded.
After receiving the Purple Heart, Graham asked those attending the ceremony for a moment of silence to honor those service members who perished in battle and did not receive the Purple Heart. He also listed all the people in his life who helped him get where he is today.
“I stand proud and humbled before you today to receive this decoration,” Graham said emotionally as his father, Charles Graham Sr., a Vietnam veteran himself, looked on giving his son the thumbs-up.
“He’s been a great mentor and a great father; I couldn’t ask for a better father,” Graham said. “He has always been by my side and gave me inspiration and courage. This is a big day for him and myself.”
“I am thankful and proud my son received the Purple Heart today,” Graham’s father said.