The Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor and participate in the 13th annual American Veterans Center conference featuring the “Wounded Warrior Experience.”  Together with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, we are proud to commemorate the brave men and women in the Armed Forces of the United States for their service and sacrifice to our nation.

The opening night of the 3-day conference featured three special panels of current generation wounded warriors, interviewed by Bret Baier, host of “Special Report” on Fox News Channel. The panel discussions and were taped for later broadcast by the Department of Defense on “The Pentagon Channel” on Veterans Day, November 11, 2010.

The first panel discussed the overall “Wounded Warrior Experience”, and included US Army Captain Ryan Kules, and US Navy HM3 James Farreto.  The second panel discussed “The Unseen Wounds: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI),” and featured US Air Force Major James Nolan, US Marine Corps SSGT Jeremiah Workman, and US Army SSGT Michael Lipari.  The final panel discussed the need to “Keep Moving Forward: The Role of Sports in Recovery,” and featured US Army Special Forces SSGT Dillon Behr, and Ariel Bell, a US Army Civilian.  SSG Behr spoke of how sports played a major role in his recovery process as "regular physical therapy wasn't enough."  In the audience were a number of other wounded warriors, including members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and its National Commander, Clayton Jones. (Follow this link for a gallery of 2010 American Veterans Center photos)

                       

A second presentation, “SEAL of Honor: The life of the first Medal of Honor recipient from Afghanistan, LT Michael P. Murphy” was also sponsored by the MOPH Service Foundation,  and was presented by LT Murphy’s father, Dan Murphy, himself a Purple Heart recipient.  Mr. Murphy was joined by Gary Williams, author of the book about LT Murphy, “SEAL of Honor” in a moving presentation about the life, service, heroism, and sacrifice of US Navy SEAL, Michael P. Murphy.

                         

In a separate event, Past National Commander Jeff Roy, a Board member of the MOPH Service Foundation, was interviewed by radio personality G. Gordon Liddy on Radio America to describe the many services provided by the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Service Foundation to veterans and their families.  (Click here to listen to the interview)

                          

On Saturday, November 6, the conference concluded with the 13^th Annual Awards Gala at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC.  This year, the Center instituted a new award specifically to recognize extraordinary valor in Afghanistan. Named in honor of LT Michael P. Murphy, this inaugural award was presented to SSGT Dillon L. Behr, United States Army, who, on April 6, 2008, distinguished himself by exceptional valor in the face of the enemy while serving as the Communications Sergeant, Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 3336, Special Operations Task Force 33, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Under intensive enemy fire and with total disregard for his own safety, SSGT Behr climbed a 60-foot near vertical cliff with a rucksack weighing more than 60 pounds in order to seize the high ground and engage multiple insurgent fighting positions.  Despite being critically wounded twice, SSGT Behr continued to fight and kill the enemy throughout the duration of the six and a half hour battle, until he was physically incapable of holding his weapon.  His heroic action allowed wounded US and Afghan soldiers to be evacuated to covered positions.  His absolute refusal to quit and poise under fire attested to his bravery, inspiring the other members of the patrol to fight on.  For his bravery, SSGT Behr was awarded the Silver Star medal.  Now a civilian, Dillon Behr is attending graduate school at Georgetown University while continuing to inspire other wounded warriors to adjust to life after military service.

                           

The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance.  Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers selflessly provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA medical facilities and State Veterans Homes.