GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - Sgt. Michael Blake received a Purple Heart Medal March 15 during a Purple Heart Ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial in Eisenhower Park.
Blake, a logistics clerk with 1st Marine Corps District, received the prestigious award for suffering a traumatic brain injury Jan. 25, 2010, during combat operations in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“This is an award that you never want to receive,” said Col. J.J. Dill, 1MCD’s commanding officer. “It’s important that we take the time to honor and recognize the actions of our Marines who have made sacrifices while taking actions against enemy forces.”
With his friends, family and fellow Marines in attendance, Blake remained humble and thanked all those in attendance for their support and attendance.
The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to service members who have sustained injuries while serving in combat against enemy forces.
Blake is one of more than 14,700 service members who have received a Purple Heart Medal in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.