Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. recognized area Purple Heart recipients at a luncheon in Ozark on Wednesday to mark National Purple Heart Day.

Wednesday’s luncheon was sponsored by the American Legion, City of Ozark, American Warrior Real Estate Professional, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce and CCV.

Purple Heart Day was first observed in 2014 to remember the bravery of those who fought for the United States, ensuring that their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten.

Originally called the Merit Badge, George Washington awarded the decoration to three sergeants in the Continental Army on August 7, 1782. In 1932, on the day of Washington’s 200th birthday,^th On his 18th birthday, the medal was renamed the Purple Heart and was intended to honor those who had been wounded or killed in combat. General Douglas MacArthur was the first to receive the modern Purple Heart for his service in the Pacific during World War II. Since then, 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded and more than 500,000 soldiers have died in combat.

Dr. Hawkins, himself a Purple Heart recipient, served as a platoon leader in the Vietnam War. During his service, he also received the Bronze Star and a Korean Marine Corps Commendation.

“Today is a special day – Purple Heart Day,” said Dr. Hawkins. “Billy Graham said the two most important but least used words in the English language are thank you. Today, as we observe National Purple Heart Day, I want to say thank you – thank you for your service and thank you for your sacrifice. America is great because America is good. I want to encourage you to continue to do your part to make our country great by doing good.”

In 2013, Troy University became the first university in the country to be awarded the Purple Heart University designation, thanks to the efforts of TROY alumnus and Purple Heart recipient KT Cole.

Since 1950, the university has served and supported the armed forces and those who serve or have served in uniform, their spouses, and their dependents. More than 27 percent of TROY’s total student body is affiliated with the military, and TROY counts more than 60 flag officers among its alumni.

TROY supports its active duty soldiers, reservists, National Guardsmen and veterans in a variety of ways, including through the TROY for Troops Centers on campuses in Troy, Montgomery, Dothan, Phenix City, Clarksville, TN and Pensacola, FL and a virtual center at TROY Online. In addition to student lounges and workspaces, the centers house the SALUTE Honor Society, the Student Veteran Association, a Veterans’ Alumni Association, a Veteran Success on Campus advisor and Department of Veterans Affairs counseling services.

TROY also offers a Military and Family Scholarship that caps tuition at $250 per academic hour for spouses and dependents of military members currently serving on active duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserve at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members themselves do not pay out-of-pocket tuition beyond the military tuition aid.

TROY is consistently recognized for its service to the military. Military Times ranked TROY as the best university for veterans in the state of Alabama and one of the best in the Southeast and nationwide. US News & World Report also ranked TROY 20th.^th in its ranking of the best colleges for veterans.