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Two Air Force veterans received the Purple Heart on July 29 during a ceremony in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, recognizing wounds suffered in a 2003 attack at Camp Pennsylvania in Kuwait. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney presented the medal to retired Col. Mark Wisher and posthumously to Maj. Gregory Stone. Stone’s son, Joshua, accepted on his father’s behalf.
“It means a lot coming out here, receiving this on his behalf and getting to meet everyone [my father] served with for those three weeks in Kuwait,” Stone said.
The event also honored four soldiers injured in the same incident, with three Army veterans and one active-duty Army soldier receiving Purple Hearts.
“Today, the sacrifice that we recognize – it’s not about rank, it’s not about title or position. It’s about soldiers and airmen answering the nation’s call,” Mahoney said. “They didn’t choose that moment in time, but they answered it when it came, and their answer, both then and now, stands as a testament to the character of the American warrior.”
Mahoney noted the role of retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bart Womack, who was at Camp Pennsylvania during the 2003 attack and pushed for the awards to be granted to the six service members.
Camp Pennsylvania was the site of a deadly insider attack in the early days of the Iraq war buildup. Maj. Gregory Stone died of his wounds two days after the assault.
The Purple Heart, the country’s oldest military decoration, recognizes service members wounded or killed in action. Recipients are eligible for a range of benefits, including priority access to VA medical care, hiring preference for federal jobs, access to exchanges and commissaries, and education benefits under the Forever GI Bill.
“To the recipients, your courage, your sacrifice, and your dedication inspire us,” Mahoney said. “To the families, we know you bear the weight. You bear it differently, but the weight is the same. Thank you for your resilience, your sacrifice and your unwavering support. You strengthen us.”
