News>Retired Marine awarded Purple Heart under new rules
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Marine Sgt. Monroe F. Seigle is congratulated by senior members of the Purple Heart Association following a ceremony on May 30 at the Navy Operations Support Center on Dobbins Air Reserve Base. Seigle, 32, currently a senior at Kennesaw State University, was injured when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device near Haditha, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Elizabeth Gaston/Released)
Marine Capt. Jason Castillo, Headquarters and Services Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group executive officer, speaks about the significance of Marine Sgt. Monroe F. Seigle, a Georgia native, receiving his Purple Heart to members of the Headquarters and Services Battalion. Seigle was presented his medal at a ceremony on May 30 at the Navy Operations Support Center on Dobbins Air Reserve Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Elizabeth Gaston/Released)
Marine Sgt. Monroe F. Seigle was presented the Purple Heart by his uncle, retired Army Sgt. Jerry Ritchie, combat veteran assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam conflict, at a ceremony on May 30 at the Navy Operations Support Center on Dobbins Air Reserve Base. Seigle, 32, currently a senior at Kennesaw State University, was injured when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device near Haditha, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Elizabeth Gaston/Released)
Marine Sgt. Monroe F. Seigle, a Georgia native, speaks to members of the Headquarters and Services Battalion about the importance of standing strong with one another. Seigle was presented his medal at a ceremony on May 30 at the Navy Operations Support Center on Dobbins Air Reserve Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Elizabeth Gaston/Released)
Marine Sgt. Monroe F. Seigle, a Georgia native, speaks to members of the Headquarters and Services Battalion about the importance of standing strong with one another. Seigle was presented his medal at a ceremony on May 30 at the Navy Operations Support Center on Dobbins Air Reserve Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Elizabeth Gaston/Released)
by Senior Airman Elizabeth Gaston
94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
5/30/2012 - DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- A retired Marine broadcaster and Marietta, Ga. native received the Purple Heart May 30 at the Navy Operations Support Center on Dobbins Air Reserve Base for a traumatic brain injury he received during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.
Sgt. Monroe F. Seigle, 32, currently a senior at Kennesaw State University, was injured when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device near Haditha, Iraq.
A recent change in rules defining who is eligible to receive the Purple Heart have made servicemembers who have received traumatic brain injuries eligible for the medal, said Marine Capt. Jason Castillo, Headquarters and Services Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group executive officer.
Seigle was presented the medal by his uncle, retired Army Sgt. Jerry Ritchie, combat veteran assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam conflict.
I have mixed emotions, said Seigle. I had friends who were killed in action that received the same medal. It's not about me. I just want other veterans out there to realize that they have not been forgotten.
