WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody is honoring wounded warriors and those who have died in service of our country on National Purple Heart Day. Senator Moody introduced a resolution recognizing August 7 as Purple Heart Recognition Day. Senator Moody also is recognizing four Floridian Purple Heart recipients by inputting their stories into the Congressional Record. The Purple Heart Medal is the oldest U.S. military decoration in present use and is awarded to recognize service members who are killed or wounded in action against an enemy of the U.S. or while held as prisoners of war.
“On Purple Heart Recognition Day, we honor our nation’s wounded warriors and those who have died in service of our country. No one ever serves hoping to receive this medal, it is not an honor anyone sets out to earn—it is given because an American stood his or her ground against an enemy. It’s a privilege to introduce a resolution in Congress honoring these patriots’ sacrifice, as well as spotlight four brave Floridians by including their stories in the Congressional Record,” said Senator Ashley Moody.
“Concerned Veterans for America is proud to support this effort to honor the brave men and women who defended our nation and our liberty at great personal sacrifice. The Purple Heart is one of our nation’s highest honors, representing extraordinary courage and selfless service in the face of profound hardship. Designating a day to recognize those who have borne the cost of protecting our homeland is the least we can do for them, said CVA Strategic Director John Byrnes.
The four Florida recipients of the Purple Heart being highlighted in the Congressional Record include:
- Sergeant Jason Crawford and retired Staff Sergeant Dustin Tuller served together with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On December 23, 2003, both men were critically wounded during a combat mission in Baghdad while engaging enemy forces. Despite his own life-threatening injuries, Sergeant Crawford urged medics to “save him [Tuller] first” after seeing the severity of Staff Sergeant Tuller’s wounds. Both soldiers survived, continued lives of service after the military, and remain close friends more than two decades later.
- Sergeant Peter McKanna served with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in Vietnam and volunteered for a second combat tour. On Christmas Day 1970, while leading fellow Marines on a mission, Sgt. McKanna stepped on an explosive device, which claimed part of his left leg and the lives of three Marines beside him. Following a successful civilian career, Sgt. McKanna has dedicated himself to serving veterans.
- Retired U.S. Navy Commander Douglas Doughty served in Vietnam. In April 1969, during intense fighting, Doughty was wounded by enemy shrapnel to his shoulder and lower body. After returning home, Commander Doughty continued serving both his country and community—building a career in medicine and remaining in the Navy Reserve, where he answered the country’s call once again during Operation Desert Storm.
BACKGROUND:
- On August 7, 1782, General George Washington established what is now known as the Purple Heart Medal. The Purple Heart Medal has been awarded to more than 1,800,000 recipients.
- Senator Moody is a proud supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and military families. Since becoming a United States Senator, Moody has:
- Cosponsored the Military Spouse Hiring Act to address difficulties servicemembers’ families face when looking for work;
- Cosponsored the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to fix unjust disability policies for retired combat veterans;
- Introduced Drone Espionage Act to crack down on spying through video surveillance of military installations;
- Supported the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, which would expand educational benefits for veterans;
- Supported the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, which would help ensure that only the most dedicated individuals can serve veterans;
- Held a town hall with VA Secretary Collins in Tampa to discuss issues facing veterans;
- Requested President Trump to send F-35As to Homestead Air Reserve Base;
- Recognized 200 years of U.S. Navy presence in Pensacola and discussed the critical importance of the Navy and Coast Guard’s presence in the Florida Panhandle; and more.
- Last year, Senator Moody secured major funding for Florida’s military bases through her work on the National Defense Authorization Act, totaling over $851 million aimed to support shipbuilding, delivery of next-generation aircraft, and construction of Golden Dome missile defense.
- Senator Moody recently joined the Senate Armed Services Committee.
- Senator Moody has long fought for Florida’s military members. As Florida Attorney General, Moody oversaw the Military and Veterans Assistance Program to assist servicemembers, veterans and their families who encounter scams or fraud.
- Senator Moody is proud to be part of a military family.
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