Nominations open to honor wounded combat Veterans of Global War On Terror

Submitted

It’s been a quarter century since the start of the war in Afghanistan, the first of America’s global response to the attacks of September 11, 2001. Twenty-five years ago, President George W. Bush addressed Congress saying, “this generation – will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future.”

Since then, an estimated 3 million Americans have answered the call to serve. Today, they continue to fight terrorism against the Iranian regime.

The National Purple Heart Honor Mission has opened nominations for a special Global War on Terror Purple Heart Patriot Project mission to pay tribute to combat wounded from our 21st century engagements around the world. The honorees selected for this multi-day, all-expenses-paid tribute in New York, will participate in a series of powerful events honoring their sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation.

More than 53,000 service members have been awarded the Purple Heart since the September 11 attacks.

“The events of September 11, 2001, defined a generation of military service from Afghanistan and Iraq to our present conflict with Iran,” said National Purple Heart Honor Mission Board Chairman Jeremy McVey, a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army Captain. “Our War on Terror Purple Heart recipients represented the best of America during a time of significant global threats. They bear the scars of war – both seen and unseen – and this tribute will help them connect with other Purple Heart heroes, share their stories and know their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Often described by honorees as the “trip of a lifetime,” the Patriot Project will include an honoree from each state in the nation.

The four-day event, scheduled for fall 2027, will include events at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a visit to the September 11 Memorial and a private tour of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, the museum dedicated to our nation’s combat wounded and those killed in action.

If you know a worthy Global War on Terror era Purple Heart recipient, you can nominate them for the trip at purpleheartmission.org/patriot-project.

“We know these humble heroes walk among us. They’re sacrifice kept America safe and helped save lives around the world,” said National Purple Heart Honor Mission Executive Director, Col. Russell Vernon (Ret.). “Like those servicemembers from previous generations, their service and stories are unique. This special Patriot Project mission will help them connect with each other and feel the gratitude of the nation.”

Nominations will be accepted until Thursday, Dec. 31. The Honor Mission will announce a complete list of the selected honorees on President’s Day, Feb. 15, 2027.

Individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in sponsoring an honoree or the Patriot Project can contact the Honor Mission to learn more about opportunities and donor benefits by emailing development@purpleheartmission.org. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Video of the 2026 Patriot Project Mission and “Stories of Valor” interviews with honorees can be found on the Honor Mission’s YouTube channel.

About the National Purple Heart Honor Mission
The National Purple Heart Honor Mission is an approved 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose strategic objective is to pay tribute to our nation’s combat wounded and killed in action through special outreach and educational programming. Through Purple Heart Patriot Project Missions, celebration of National Purple Heart Day and other public events and programs, we engage people of all ages by telling the stories of our nation’s heroes. Learn more and support their efforts at PurpleHeartMission.org.