COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two Ohio National Guard soldiers were honored with the Purple Heart April 10 during a special ceremony in front of their families and fellow soldiers at the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, located at the Akron-Canton Airport.
Staff Sgt. Aaron Futrell, a 16-year Ohio Army National Guard member and aviation operations noncommissioned officer, and Sgt. Tristan Meyers, a five-year Guard member and helicopter mechanic, received the award for injuries they sustained during the Jan. 8, 2020 Iranian missile strike against Al Asad Airbase in Iraq.
Futrell, of Canal Fulton, Ohio, and Meyers, of Clinton, Ohio, were deployed with the 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment based in North Canton.
“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.
Futrell said he was also grateful to receive the Purple Heart: “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 in this organization with so many great people.”
Both soldiers thanked their families and unit leadership and colleagues for supporting them.
Capt. Michael Knott, their commander during the deployment, 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.”
The Purple Heart medal is awarded on behalf of the president of the United States to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action during combat.