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On Thursday, I had the privilege of presenting the Purple Heart Medal to Pea Ridge resident, Retired Army Staff Sergeant George F. O’Dell, at the Veterans Wall of Honor in Bella Vista.
The Purple Heart Medal is not like other decorations. It is not awarded for time in uniform, promotion, or achievement, but to those who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving our great country.
This is exactly what happened to SSG(R) O’Dell while deployed to Iraq on July 8, 2009.
BACKGROUND
In 1991, SSG(R) O’Dell enlisted in the United States Army and participated in Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to become a 19D Cavalry Scout. In 1994, he reclassified to become a 95B Military Police Officer at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Later that year, he deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in support of Operation Vigilant Warrior.
In 1995, he transitioned to the United States Army Reserves, but his dedication to this country was strong and he returned to active service in 1997.
After spending time in multiple units, he was assigned to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2008, and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, that same year. It was during this deployment that SSG(R) O’Dell would make a sacrifice that would go unrecognized for over a decade.
JULY 8, 2009
While providing security and overwatch as the Critical Care Noncommissioned Officer-In-Charge during an Iraqi patient ambulance exchange, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated approximately 100 meters from SSG(R) O’Dell’s position. The blast left him with significant injuries.
SINCE THEN
For unknown reasons, no award was made to SSG(R) O’Dell in the years after his injury. I can only imagine the frustration and grief this caused a patriot like SSG(R) O’Dell. Despite his selfless service and personal courage, the official record did not reflect such.
Despite this hardship and frustration, SSG(R) O’Dell never lost sight of his commitment to his country or his fellow veterans. SSG(R) O’Dell continues his service as an active volunteer with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, a life member of Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 8109 Pea Ridge), as well as a member of American Legion Post 341 in Bella Vista.
When SSG(R) O’Dell reached out to my office this year, my team began working immediately to right this wrong. The goal was to make sure the record was complete, accurate, and fairly considered. With the facts of SSG(R) O’Dell’s sacrifice and injuries properly established, the decision was ultimately—and rightfully—made to award him the Purple Heart Medal.
No medal can heal the pain of an injury, and no ceremony can fully alleviate the burden carried by those who have seen combat or who have returned home changed by war. But recognition matters.
I was exceedingly proud to honor SSG(R) O’Dell and to present him with the Purple Heart Medal on behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation.
The measure of a veteran is found not only in the circumstances of hardship or injury, but in the willingness to stand beside fellow Americans and place something larger than himself ahead of his own comfort and safety.
That is the measure of SSG(R) O’Dell: selfless service and personal courage over comfort—an embodiment of the Army Values.
Thank you, SSG(R) O’Dell, for your service and sacrifices made to protect the United States of America.
Read more about SSG(R) O’Dell HERE.
Attendees included: Brigadier General Olen C. Bridges, Command Chief Master Sergeant Scott Manamon, Pea Ridge Mayor Nathan See, Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway, Benton County Justice of the Peace Brian Armas, Bella Vista City Councilman Travis Harp, and members of the Veterans Council of Northwest Arkansas who previously stewarded the Veterans Wall of Honor.
The Veterans Wall of Honor is now stewarded by Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. I thank them for helping support this week’s ceremony. |