JBSA-FORT SAM HOUSTON –
A newly elected U.S. senator from Texas honored a Soldier with a Purple Heart at the Warrior and Family Support Center and also visited with wounded warriors at San Antonio Military Medical Center Feb. 19.
After Brooke Army Medical Center commander Col. Kyle D. Campbell opened the ceremony, Sen. Ted Cruz presented the medal and certificate.
Cruz welcomed Purple Heart recipient Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jerry Hamilton with words of praise for his courage, dedication and his sacrifice.
"On behalf of 26 million Texans and on behalf of Americans across our great nation ... thank you for your service every single day," the senator said.
"Thank you for standing up for our country, for our values, for the Constitution, and for your bravery and sacrifice. It's because of you that we will remain the greatest and freest nation on earth. I'm humbled to stand among modern day heroes. God Bless you."
While serving as a CH-47F pilot in Afghanistan, Hamilton was wounded when his forward operating base was struck by indirect fire.
"I wouldn't have been here today if it weren't for these two," Hamilton said, leaning in to give his wife Rachel and infant son Alex a kiss. "To be able to stand here today, I want to thank Col. Campbell and the staff here at BAMC. This is an award none of us want so this one here is for my family. Thank you."
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.
Following the ceremony, Cruz visited with wounded warriors at the Center for the Intrepid and gave them words of encouragement.