National Guard soldiers from Canal Fulton, Clinton awarded Purple Hearts
GREEN – Families and fellow soldiers were on hand recently as two Ohio National Guard soldiers were awarded Purple Hearts.
According to a news release from the Ohio Adjutant General's Department, Staff Sgt. Aaron Futrell, of Canal Fulton, and Sgt. Tristan Meyers, of Clinton, received their awards Sunday for injuries they sustained Jan. 8, 2020, in Iraq.
The Purple Heart medal is awarded to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action during combat.
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Futrell and Meyers were deployed with the 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment based in the North Canton area, the release states. Both were injured during an Iranian missile strike against Al Asad Airbase,
"I am grateful for the benefits that come with the Purple Heart, and I am deeply appreciative of the treatment I have received to get back to normal in lieu of these injuries," Meyers said in the release.
Meyers is a five-year Guard member and helicopter mechanic. Futrell, a 16-year member, is an aviation operations noncommissioned officer.
"The award has promoted healing by providing closure to the event. I am proud of my service and even though it was cut short, I am happy to have served," Futrell said.
Both thanked their families and unit leadership.
Sunday's ceremony took place at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 1 at the Akron-Canton Airport in Green.
Their commander Capt. Michael Knott praised Meyers and Futrell for their actions on the day of the attack.
“These guys remembered their training during times of complete chaos and selflessly executed their duties without fail, for which I could not be prouder,” Knott said. “Their diligence and commitment to our mission helped to bring each and every one of our soldiers home safely and I will forever be grateful for that.”
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Two Ohio National Guards soldiers receive Purple Hearts
