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Watch: What This Army Vet Just Gave A Country Music Singer Will Have You In Tears
U.S. Army sniper Justin Patterson survived five deployments – spending a total of five years in Iraq and two in Afghanistan – and countless attacks before a 2008 explosion spelled the end of his active service days. He returned home with not only four Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts, but a traumatic brain injury from which he continues to suffer.
“It’s just like having Alzheimer’s or dementia,” he said of the cumulative effects of dozens of IED explosions.
Since returning to the U.S., Patterson has dedicated much of his time to helping other injured veterans through his involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project. In that capacity, he was able to meet country music star Brantley Gilbert.
Despite not knowing who the entertainer was at the time, Patterson recalled hitting it off with Gilbert during a recent motorcycle ride supporting WWP.
“Every time we would stop,” Patterson said, “he would give a speech and raise the flag about the awareness of PTSD. You know, the fact is that 22 veterans a day take their own lives – and that’s just heartbreaking to me.”
In an effort to demonstrate what Gilbert’s advocacy meant to him, Patterson decided to give him a deeply personal gift.
“The guy that’s got everything,” he said, “I think the only thing I could give him was my blood, sweat and tears – so I presented him with my Purple Heart.”
Video of that presentation has been shared on social media and by news outlets across the nation. It was an obviously emotional experience for both men.
“This thing means the world to me,” Gilbert said.
Patterson confirmed the two are in frequent communication. He went on to express his hope that their exchange will spark a continuing national conversation about caring for returning veterans.
Do you support this singer’s activism on behalf of wounded warriors? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
This post originally appeared on Western Journalism – Equipping You With The Truth
Source: http://www.westernjournalism.com/watch-what-this-army-vet-just-gave-a-country-music-singer-will-have-you-in-tears/
